Happy Labor Day weekend! If you haven’t been there yet, there are still a handful of days to visit the great Minnesota get-together! The state fair is a staple of our summer here in this beautiful state but it also marks the end of more carefree days when the kids are out of school and the beginning of new things for fall with back to school and a change in our seasons coming!
Here are a couple of tips for the fair-goers out there! Enjoy and soak all of the fun in!

• TIP 1: Please (pretty please!) don’t forget your sunscreen at home! Even when the weather report says it will be mostly cloudy, you still need to protect that beautiful skin from the sun. Slather it on before you even leave for the fair and then remember to reapply when you take breaks or sit down for a snack. You might like to bring along your favorite hat, too!
• TIP 2: The fair can be an absolutely perfect, delicious way to take a cheat day – with all of that fried food on a stick, who can resist? But, if you want to be more careful, in hopes of not derailing your successful diet, you can do it. Consider doing what Bob Harper suggests (The Biggest Loser trainer):  if you drink eight ounces of water before every meal it keeps you hydrated and full so you don’t eat as much. Staying hydrated in the heat of the fair is a good idea, anyway, so that tip really applies!

Though it might not feel like it, summer IS coming sooner than we think and you’ll be prepared for it when you know a variety of ways to protect your skin from the hot summer sun. We just spent some time focusing on skin cancer prevention and this blog goes hand in hand with that topic. We’re going to look at ways you can protect yourself and your family since most skin cancer is caused by excessive and unprotected exposure to UV radiation.

1. Sun protection isn’t just for your skin. Don’t forget your lips! Use a lip balm with a sunscreen of at least SPF15. Pick up your complimentary lip balm at Belladerm when you stop in to see us.
2. Watch the clock. Sun exposure is most damaging between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM so do your best to limit sun exposure between those hours.  Use the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest, and you should find some shade if you want to be outdoors. Check the forecast so you can quickly learn what the UV index is and stay informed about how harsh the rays will be on any given day. If it creeps up towards 10, use extra caution or stay indoors.
3. When you can, protect your skin with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat. Keep in mind that dark clothing with tightly woven fabric blocks more sun than white or loosely woven fabrics. You can also find clothing made with special sun-protective materials.
4. The delicate skin around your eyes is easily affected by the sun’s powerful rays. Always wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
5. Be aware of how medications affect your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Examples of some that make you more sensitive: specific types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies.
6. Be beach smart. Water and sand will all intensify the rays hitting your skin and water will wash away your protection. Reapply your sunscreen regularly but even more so when you’re enjoying a beach day!
7. Cloudy days are ALSO sunscreen days. You just won’t feel the heat of the sun as much on those days but please don’t skip your sunscreen. You should choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
8. Those of you with little ones will also need to know the importance of protection from early on.  Getting a bad sunburn in childhood increases a person’s risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.
9. Choose wisely. Sunscreen creams are better for dry skin, and gels are better for the scalp or hairy areas. Sunscreen sprays are found everywhere are make application fast and easy, but when possible, avoid using them.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not sure that enough sunscreen makes it onto the skin and is concerned that the spray may be inhaled into the lungs.
10. We are passionate about protecting your skin. Stop in for our current sunscreen special. 10% off all sunscreen products through the end of May including Obaji Sunshield SPF50, Revision Intellishade SPF45, SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF30 and Environmental Defense SPF50.

You may already have heard many of these before but it never hurts to get a refresher before the hot weather arrives. Never underestimate the importance of the protecting your skin from the sultry summer sun!
source: http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/protecting-your-skin-sun.