Sun exposure is good for you, in moderate doses. It’s been proven that people with regular time in the sun are healthier. The sun provides you with Vitamin D, and fresh air and exercise are always good for you. If you’re outside in the summer sun for short bursts, you’ll feel better and look better. But make sure that you apply sunscreen to your face (always!), and other exposed parts of your body when you’re staying out longer than a few minutes. On days when you know that your time in the sun is going to be extended, use a good, broad spectrum sunscreen and use it all over.

I know you hear the term all the time, but do you know exactly what a broad spectrum sunscreen is? That’s a sunscreen that protects you against both UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are the ones that give you sunburn, which can dry out your skin and make you very uncomfortable. Not to mention that it can cause long term skin damage. UVA rays get down into the underlying layers of your skin, and cause wrinkling, age spots, and even skin cancer. You always want to make sure that you choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Whenever possible, always use hats, clothing that breathes (natural fibers like silk, linen, or cotton) with you, and shade to block the sun. If you stay in the shade – or shade your body – you’ll help avoid sun damage to your skin. If you can avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 and 2, you’ll reduce the possibility of sunburn. But if it can’t be avoided, make sure that you apply plenty of sunblock. Then reapply it after exertion or swimming.

If you have children, it’s especially important to apply sunscreen. Sunburns, especially in young children, are the leading cause of skin cancer. Your child can sunburn quickly, and you want to make sure that you use sunscreen for kids to prevent them.

Enjoy your time in the sun, but be careful not to burn. Sunscreen, hats, and the right kind of clothing can help reduce over exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen before you go out, and then reapply it if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

Do you use sunscreen every day? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.

We all know that our faces need to be protected from the sun. Even our makeup and daily moisturizer has sunscreen in it, nowadays. But did you realize that the skin on your neck and chest is just as vulnerable to sun damage? And did you know that it’s much harder to treat the skin of the neck and chest and erase signs of sun damage? There are fewer oil glands and hair follicles there, and the skin doesn’t regenerate as quickly as the skin on your face. That means it takes longer for signs of sun damage to fade and for skin tone to even out.

Believe it or not, sunbathing can make your cellulite worse. Yes, those thigh bumps can actually look worse in the summer sun. It’s a cruel joke that just when summer comes and you wear less clothing, you can actually make yourself look worse. UVA-induced collagen loss from too much sun not only makes your face wrinkle, it will also make the skin on your body sag. This means cellulite is emphasized.

What can you do to prevent this from happening? Sunscreen for faces is a must, of course. But not only do you need to apply sunscreen to your face daily, you need to apply it to the delicate skin of your neck and chest. Apply also to any other areas exposed to the sun. You don’t want crepey skin on your chest, and you don’t want sunspots or prominent cellulite. Rub on that broad spectrum sunscreen religiously, and make sure you don’t skip any areas.

And as for the cellulite? Regular exfoliation can help stimulate collagen production. That means you need to scrub your skin every day. A pouf is a great exfoliator, and it’s gentle enough to use every day. Daily exfoliation will also keep your skin from looking ‘leathery’. Leathery skin comes when your body tries to protect itself from the sun by thickening. Then your skin dries out. You can prevent this and also plump up your skin by using a moisturizing body wash and following it up with body lotion or moisturizer. Your cellulite will appear smoother, and your skin won’t dry out in the sun. Also, if you use a shimmer moisturizer (one that reflects light), it will make your cellulite appear reduced, even if it’s not.

What are you doing to protect your body’s skin from sun damage? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.

Independence Day on the Fourth of July is the holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It’s the National Day of the United States, and there are going to be fireworks displays, parades, picnics and barbecues, and many other events on July 4th.

And traditionally, there are going to be accidents and injuries.

Sunburns, fireworks accidents, and many other minor injuries are common on the Fourth of July. There are things you can do, however, to minimize these injuries. You can have a fun Independence Day and still stay safe.

Wear sunscreen: Have you been out in the summer sun, or have you been hiding in the house with the air conditioning this summer? Either way, you’re bound to spend more time in the sun, and you need to protect your skin. Wear sunscreen, and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or exertion. Protect your skin from future damage.

Wear a hat: Even if you put sunscreen on, I doubt if you’ll think about the top of your head. Yes, it can sunburn, and the skin is delicate. Put on a hat, and protect your head. It will also shade your face, protecting you even further.

Supervise fireworks: The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a public display by professionals. Don’t let children – or adults! – shoot off fireworks alone, and don’t let them do dangerous things. What seems fun in the moment isn’t so fun when you’re spending what’s left of the Fourth in the emergency room. If you must shoot off fireworks yourself, please do it safely and read some fireworks safety tips first.

Barbecue safely: Use a gas grill as a greener alternative to charcoal. Fast lighting charcoal contains toxic ingredients, and it can get into your food. Don’t let children run and play around the grill, either. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby for any burns that may occur. If you burn a finger, plunge it into the ice water immediately. You’ll minimize the burn, and it will feel better.

We here at StocknGo wish you a very happy Fourth of July, and hope you have a wonderful day. We intend to. Independence Day is so much nicer when you’re safe and sound at the end of the day instead of at the hospital. So stay safe, and enjoy the festivities.

What do you plan to do this Fourth of July? Let me know on twitter, facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.