The summer is here and we all know how important it is to protect the skin. The summer months put the most strain on your skin because the days are longer and the sunlight is more intense. The harmful rays are UVA and UVB rays.

Skin Cancer Facts ( Source: http://www.skincancer.org )

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

Of course the best way to prevent sun damage is to stay out of the sun but we all know that that’s almost impossible. So here is what you can do during sun exposure to protect yourself:

• always wear SPF, preferably between 30 and 45
• wear a large brimmed hat and sunglasses
• avoid tanning beds which give you strong UV exposure in a short period of time
• protect your skin even when it’s cloudy outside

Aveda’s make up offers SPF 15 protection. We recommend the following products for your face.

If you are experiencing skin burn, you can find relief with Aveda’s Intensive Hydrating Masque. Although it’s a facial product, it contains soothing Aloe, Lavender and Rosewater which offer hydration and diminish irritation.