That glorious summer weather we were waiting for is here at last. I hope you're out enjoying it to the max.
Just be sure your skin is protected. As I've said over and over again, the sun is your skin's worst enemy.
- You must wear sunscreen at all times, even on cloudy days.
- Wear sunscreen not just at the beach or pool, but for running errands too.
- Apply it generously.
- Wait 20 minutes after applying it before going outdoors.
- Re-apply regularly.
The Best Products
Here at the office we sell the very best brands of sunscreen: the well-known brands Obagi, SkinMedica and Vivite. They're chock full of the freshest, wisest ingredients. They not only protect your skin today, they repair sun damage from earlier in your life.
I hope you've stocked up on them. They can't be purchased in pharmacies, so if you're on vacation and you run out of sunscreen you're going to have to settle for less effective products.
How to Shop for Sunscreen
When You're Away 
Here are some pointers about what to look for when buying sunscreen products for your face. Although
no pharmacy brand could be as
beneficial as the brands we sell, you
can get closer to the mark by looking
for these features:
 Buy a "broad-spectrum" product. This means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
 Select a sweat-proof product for your face, so it will not run into your eyes or mouth.
 Buy a non-comedogenic product that won't clog your pores.
 Look for Zinc Oxide in the list of ingredients. This is the most powerful agent for blocking both UVA and UVB rays.
  Find healthy facial sunscreens that are formulated with natural soy proteins and antioxidants. (The Burt's Bees brand is a good over-the-counter option.)
 See if you can find a product containing NIA-114™. This will be hard to find but it's worth a try because NIA-114™ repairs past UV damage while helping to protect against future damage. One product in this category is StriVectin-SH Age Protect SPF30.
 PA Ranking. Many of today's sunscreens now list a "PA" ranking alongside the SPF ranking. This refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers from UVA rays, the ones most responsible for premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
The more plus symbols listed after the PA on the label, the more protection the product offers from UVA rays and long-term skin damage. Look for a product with at least three plus symbols.
Enjoy your summer, and please drop by the office if there's anything we can help you with.
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