The sun is shining and it’s time for some serious stratosphere intervention.

Did you know that 90% of visible signs of aging are due to sun damage?

Up to 20% of the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate your skin, leaving it exposed to injury from ultraviolet light. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10:00am and 2:00pm and can cause significant damage if skin isn’t protected from UVA and UVB exposure.

According to the American Cancer Society, people who get a lot of direct sun on their skin are at greatest risk for developing skin cancer. Regular application of properly applied sunscreen (about 1 ounce should be used to cover arms, legs, neck and face and should be reapplied at least every 2 hours to maintain effectiveness) is a simple way to protect your skin from the sun. Pay extra special attention to your face and neck and don’t forget that your lips need sunscreen, too.

You need extra protection whenever you are near or around water, snow, and sand because they reflect damaging rays which can increase your chance of burning.

Sunburned skin is painful and can cause permanent damage overtime (including skin cancer) so be sure to apply every day, regardless of the weather outside.

Protect the skin you’re in – apply sunscreen 365 days a year!

Here are a few favorite sunscreen brands (all available at Tryst in downtown Hingham) specially formulated to not only protect your skin but, nourish & hydrate skin as well: Coola and Image Skincare and SkinCeuticals have all created your first line of defense in sun protection.