I haven’t looked the studies up, but I saw a headline the other day that there has been a noticeable rise in cases of skin cancer in young women. Since we have lived in tropical climates for some time now, we are sensitive to the issue of sunscreen, but of course, not living in a warm climate can give a false sense of security for people, especially if one is already of a darker skin tone. However, as can be seen on many sites to include http://dermatology.about.com, all skin is vulnerable to sun exposure and using a low-level sunscreen (SPF 15) daily is an effective means of combating this. From a cosmetic perspective, sunscreen also helps hold wrinkles at bay.

If the cosmetic industry depended on me, they would take a drastic nose-dive in the stock market. However, a very long time ago, an older woman that I worked with told me that if I would just be sure and cleanse well and moisturize, that would make a tremendous difference in my skin. I did take that advice, although during those days about all I could afford was Noxzema (which I still think is a great product). Having attained a better financial posture, I don’t buy the really expensive stuff, but I am careful to buy a moisturizer that also has sunscreen. Fifteen is the minimum and I prefer 28-30. That’s for daily use and when I go out on the boat, I apply regular sunscreen, but I use the one for babies. Yes, I know it sounds a little odd, but here’s the thing – whose skin needs protecting more than a baby’s? Hats, too, hats are a good thing in a climate like ours.

Anyway, please give this some serious thought it you haven’t considered it lately and especially if you have influence over young women who might think sunscreen is a waste of time.