Sarasota Sun Guide, Part II

Sarasota Sun Guide Tips for sun safety are coming your way as our temperatures rise.  We know you understand sunburn and melanoma.  And yet we also know it’s easy to get carried away by the beauty of our Sarasota Sunshine.  That’s when we forget to properly protect our skin.  Put simply, part of our mission at Altiora is to help you take care of your skin in our fine Sarasota Summers.  Be mindful of what the sun can do to your skin, and be mindful of about melanoma.

Your Sarasota Sun Guide Tips for Summer, 2019

Some of the tips listed below are not included in the tiny writing on the label of your sunscreen bottle or tube.  And some of them are not clearly stated. So, Your Sarasota Sunshine Guide now offers you a few brief guidelines, based on the misuse of sunscreen.

And yes we have seen sunscreen misuse and even abuse on our gorgeous Sarasota beaches and by our sweet Sarasota pools.  We hope this guide of tips for sunshine caution will help you enjoy our Sarasota summer, safe and healthy in the skin you are in. 

Sarasota Sun Guide Tip 1.    Avoid the, “too late” syndrome!

Did you know that sunscreen requires thirty minutes to become really active on your skin?  For real protection, sunscreen must be applied while you are in your bedroom or wherever you are getting prepared for your outdoor activity.

Here is Your Altiora Trick:  Apply your sunscreen before you go out of doors, not after your arrival at the beach or pool.  Give it time to generate a shield of protection for your skin.

According to Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, “You actually want to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes prior to exposure.”

So, Altiora says you should make application of your sunscreen part of the ritual of getting ready to go to the beach.

Sarasota Sun Guide Tip 2.    Godiva Factor

Did you know you should put on your sunscreen when you are in Lady Godiva’s condition?  In other words, put sunscreen onto your skin, while you are nude before you dress.  Do not just put it up to the edges of your clothes after you have already dressed, even if all you are wearing is a swimsuit and a cover-up.

Sarasota Sun Guide Tip 3.    Mixing Mindfulness and Application

Do you let your mind wander while you are applying your sunscreen?  Melanoma can show up at some strange places on the skin, like between toes, on eyelids.  You see, our harmful Sarasota sun-rays have a knack for penetrating the small spaces you leave unprotected.

So, Dr. Cicilioni and Staff at Altiora wants you to be sure you have applied sunscreen these often neglected areas:   your toes, feet, underarm areas, inside your upper arms, and the back of your neck.

A Special Note on Your Facial Sunscreen

Be sure you use facial sunscreen for your hairline, your ears, and your eyelids.

• Never use sunscreen made for the body on your face.
• The skin of the face is more sensitive than the body, and there really is a difference between the formulations.
• Likewise, your lips need appropriate protection, and we recommend a high SPF lip balm.

Sarasota Sun Guide Tip 4.    Set Your Sarasota Sundial!

Set your watch or your Smartphone.  Some sunscreen admits its only good for a half an hour; others say they are active for an hour.

You often get drowsy in the sun, and we want you to set your alarm for reapplication of the sunscreen. Plus, Altiora cautions you that if you sweat or get into the water, chances are you need to reapply.

So do not take a two-hour nap in the sun; set your phone alarm, or have a friend awaken you for reapplication of the sunscreen at least every 45 minutes.  It is also helpful to buy a sunscreen that is water resistant, which will help with the problem. However, remember, you should still re-apply it when you get out of the water or wipe down your sweat.

Sarasota Sun Guide Tip 5.  Forget that Weather Report!

Just because the sky is overcast does not mean you do not require your sunscreen.  Trust us when we tell you that wicked sun rays can penetrate the clouds and your skin.

You might have also figured out that you are not really safe from the sun when you are in a car.   The window tint gives you some protection, but the type of sunrays that cause premature aging can still damage your skin, right through the tinted glass.  The answer is to wear your sunscreen in the car, even on that short drive to the beach or to work.

Sarasota Sun Guide Tip 6.    Don’t catch the “too little” syndrome!

Spray products are becoming much more popular, but we are noticing that people are not using enough of this type of sunscreen product.  Spray should be held about six inches away from the skin, and you should spray until you can actually see it on your skin.

We also suggest a second coat if you are using a spray instead of lotion.

If you are using a lotion or cream, Altiora means what we say when we warn you to “slather” it on.  We do not mean you should just daintily dab in on your skin.  By the way, did you know that the active chemicals in your sunscreen dissipate over time?  So last year’s bottle or tube is no longer good protection?

Facts, Factors, and Factoids about Your Skin and Cancer

Let’s look at a few alarming statistics.  We hope they will motivate you to enjoy our beautiful Sarasota Sunshine with caution.

According to the American Cancer Society, “about 9,710 people will die of melanoma: about 6,470 men and 3,240 women.”  And that statement is only for one year.  Using sunscreen safely is one way you can avoid becoming a statistic.

You can get the whole story behind the harmful rays of the sun at this reliable online resource.

There is a Special Altiora Glow in Sarasota Sunshine

Not only does our exclusive “Altiora Melanin Shade Sunscreen” protect you from the harmful rays of the Florida sun, but it also gives you a summery sun-kissed glow–without the sun.
Before you commit all of your summer budget to clothes or make-up, we urge you to take care of your skin.  Your skin protects you.  So we hope you protect it.