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Young woman applying sun protection lotion to skin
Sunscreen: Everywhere, All the Time
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As a resident of the Sunshine State, you've no doubt heard everything you need to hear about the dangers of sun exposure. But do you heed the warnings? Studies say no. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of U.S. adults reported experiencing sunburns in 2009, despite the fact that sunscreen is ubiquitous. A few things to keep in mind:
Broad-spectrum sunscreen refers to products that protect against both types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the shorter of the 2, and they're responsible for burns and premature aging. UVA rays penetrate deeply and can cause skin cancer. For full protection, look for the term "broad spectrum" on the label.
Rainy weather is no excuse for not wearing sunscreen. About 80% of UV rays easily penetrate clouds and can still cause plenty of damage, even if the sun isn't shining.
Re-application is key to all-day protection. Active ingredients in sunscreen degrade as the day goes on. Carve out a place for it in your daily routine. For example, if you normally clean out your coffee mug at the end of the day, use it as your cue to slather on another coat.
Un-Frizz Yourself
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Of course, humidity is always a concern in Florida, but the problem definitely intensifies in the summer. If serums, shampoos, and leave-in products are still leaving you looking a little feral, here's some advice:
Focus on the roots when you blow-dry your hair. Ends are naturally drier and more frizz-prone than roots, so blow-drying your whole head can make it worse. Give hair a quick blast on the roots only and let your ends air-dry. This fights frizz and also creates volume.
Check the labels of your usual styling products for alcohol. You know how a night spent drinking can leave you parched in the morning? Your hair feels the same way. Avoiding products with alcohol can head off frizz before it starts.
Leave it alone! Agitating your hair, whether it's with your hands or a brush, can make frizz worse. Once your hair is dry and styled, resist the urge to comb, brush, or play with it. If you must, wet your fingers and use them to lightly untangle your hair.
Consider the Season for Surgery
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Got plastic surgery on your mind? Know what you're getting into before you book your date. Some procedures (e.g., tummy tuck) require a longer recovery, so it may be smarter to wait until the kids are back in school. On the other hand, surgeries such as breast augmentation have surprisingly little downtime. According to the breast augmentation page on Naples, Florida-based plastic surgeon Dr. Kent Hasen's website, you may be able to get back to work within a week.