What's In Your Beach Bag this Summer?
Expert Advice on Sun Safety for Your Skin, Hair and Lips 
 
 
 
(ARA) - With the arrival of summer, many people look forward to spending time outside in the sun. Whether you're playing sports, gardening or just lounging, using the proper skin protection products can help prevent sun damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the primary cause of skin cancer, which affects one million Americans every year. As the sun intensifies during the summer, it is more important than ever to prepare your skin, lips and hair to endure these dangerous sunrays.

Following is a list of must-have items for your beach bag this summer:

1. Water resistant sunscreen

A water resistant sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied after swimming or perspiring. Typically, one ounce of sunscreen lotion is enough to cover exposed areas of the body properly.

2. Medicated lip balm with SPF

For lips, the best protection against sun damage is a water resistant lip balm that keeps the lips moist and has an SPF of 15 percent or higher.
 
 
A product such as Zilactin-Lip medicated lip balm provides SPF 24 protection and is water resistant for long-lasting wear in the sun. Zilactin-Lip medicated lip balm also contains a non-greasy emollient to keep lips smooth and supple.

3. Wide-brimmed hat -- Aside from providing shade for your face, a wide-brimmed hat also can help protect hair from being damaged by the sun, which erodes the outer layer of hair and can cause coarse, wiry or brittle locks. Choose a comfortable-fitting hat with extra covering that drapes down the back of your neck, and sit in the shade whenever possible.

4. Spray-on sunscreen for hair -- Another way to protect the hair from sun damage is to use protective sprays specifically created for hair. Leave-in conditioners and sun sprays offer sun protection before, during and after outdoor exposure.

5. Cold sore/fever blister treatment -- Since cold sores/fever blisters can be triggered by overexposure to the sun, it is important to keep topical medications on hand for unexpected breakouts. A product such as Zilactin Cold Sore Gel helps speed up the healing process for fever blisters by sealing in the medication and preventing spreading. Zilactin-L Cold Sore Liquid is another option for treating cold sore/fever blister outbreaks.

Don't let the sun ruin your summer vacation. Stock up on these vital summer products at your local drug, discount and grocery stores, or consult a family physician for additional advice.
 
 
 
 
 
The Author 
 
For more information on oral health, Zilactin products or Zilactin
Website: www.zilactin.com

Courtesy of ARA Content