It's important to protect yourself from the sun, but the safety rules you learned as a kid have been updated.Rule 1: Applying SPF 15 before going outside will do the trick, right? Actually, new research shows that you should also use a moisturizer rich in antioxidants.
According to Dr. Frederic Brandt, a New York dermatologist, "The sun also generates free radicals that break down your collagen and elastin fibers." If you're hitting the beach, an SPF of 15 is not enough.
Rule 2: A T-shirt can protect you from the hottest sun. Coverups help, but well-worn white T-shirts are not worth much, according to Health.com. The best bet for protection is tightly woven fabrics in darker colors.
Rule 3: Put a little sunscreen on your face and a lot on your body. Actually, the sensitive skin of the face and neck are susceptible to sun damage, so slather the stuff on there -- and every other spot exposed to sun.
Rule 4: Twenty minutes of sun three times a week helps your body produce vitamin D. But you can also get vitamin D from supplements.
"Even a little bit of sun causes cellular damage that can lead to aging and cancer," New York dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco said.
Rule 5: Avoid tanning, especially tanning beds. This rule has not changed.
"Using a tanning bed increases your risk for melanoma by up to 75 percent," according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
