Expert advice for some safe fun in the sun

Memorial Day is right around the corner, bringing with it the unofficial start of summer. And despite the folklore that L.A. doesn’t have seasons, those of us who’ve endured 100-degree-plus SoCal days know the searing truth: From now through September we have to be extravigilant to protect our skin from the sun.

Stick your face up to a Visia machine from Canfield Scientific (you’ll find them at various tony dermatology offices around town) and you’ll likely see the budding skin issues that go undetected by the naked eye, including a startling amount of UV damage and brown spots waiting to erupt all over your seemingly OK skin.

Experts report that 80% to 90% of prematurely aging skin is caused by UV radiation from sunlight. “People often underestimate the amount of sun damage they have,” says Dr. Anthony Oro, a dermatology professor at Stanford University. He also points out a World Health Organization report linking climate change to a greater risk of skin cancer.

For protection, experts recommend that you:

Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours.

Wear sunglasses, preferably wrap-arounds, to protect eyes.

Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat or specially treated clothing. Don’t be shy about using an umbrella to block the sun (perhaps it’s time to bring back the parasol).

Use extra caution near snow in cold climates and sand and water. “The sun can be very intense at the beach because of the reflection from the water and white sand,” Oro says.

Remember you’re still exposed to damaging UV rays during “June gloom” and other cloudy times. Look for “Broad Spectrum” on the sunscreen label and an SPF between 15 and 50. Also check your skincare products and prescriptions when headed out in the sun to see if they will make you extra sensitive. Vitamin A products, such as retinol, are often best used at night.