10 Walking Essentials: Sun Protection

Your skin needs protection in order to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, and burn. Never leave home without wearing sunscreen even on cloudy days. OK, maybe not at night. An outdoor walker gets lots of exposure to sun and wind, you need to reduce that consistently.

• Choose a waterproof sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Apply the sunscreen a half hour before your walk so it will absorb into the skin to start its protection.
• Put it on thickly - most people use too little and do not get the protection they paid for.
• Don't forget your ears and any bald spot you don't cover with a hat.
• Protect your lips with lip sunblock.
• Reapply your sunscreen if you have been sweating or are out for a longer duration.
• Mosquitoes bugging you? Buy sunscreen that include repellent.
• Your hat and clothing are also a good line of defense against the sun. Cover as much as is comfortable with loose, breathable clothing.
• Sunglasses: choose glasses that give both UVA and UVB protection.

Next page> Directions> Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11