Columnist Muriel Stevens: Sunscreens give skin a ray of hope

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 | 8:15 a.m.

Are you sun savvy? Living in the desert where the sun shines strong and long most days of the year means wearing a sunscreen every day.

A recent article in the June issue of InStyle magazine included this admonition: "1 million cases of skin cancer were reported in the U.S. in 2003." And, "Fifteen percent fewer Americans under 25 wore sunscreen outdoors in 2003 than they did in 1996."

I can remember when it was fashionable to add a few drops of iodine to baby oil to intensify the golden tan a sunbather was seeking. Dedicated sun worshipers greased their bods and then used a reflector on their faces. Talk about the folly of youth!

It doesn't take much effort to protect your skin with sunscreen, but it must be applied daily. The American Academy of Dermatology, quoted in the InStyle article written by Elizabeth Lamont, said that the average American's risk of getting skin cancer is "one in five."

Dermatologists believe that 80 percent of wrinkles are caused by sun exposure. When buying a sunscreen, look for one that blocks both UVE and UVB rays. Dermatologists picked the ones in InStyle. They range in price from $6 to $38 and are available at drugstores, department stores and specialty shops. You may want to buy more than one depending on your lifestyle.

Banana Boat Sport SPF 30 is broad spectrum, waterproof, reasonably priced and generously sized. It goes on easily and is absorbed quickly. Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom have a number of upscale sunscreens, including Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF 40. It leaves skin dewy, not chalky.

Other suggestions are Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 45, Coppertone Water Babies SPF 45 (for the entire family) and Kiss My Face Hot Spots SPF 30 (www.kissmyface.com).

Sun-proof clothing: Add Rit Sun Guard (available at drugstores) to laundry during the regular wash cycle. It penetrates the fibers and delivers an SPF 30 to the fabric, so UV light will not be able to pass through it. It will last through a number of washings.

Ice cream from Cuisinart: Don't scream for ice cream; make your own in Cuisinart's bucket-style ice cream maker ($49.95). In as few as 20 minutes, churn up 1 1/2 quarts of creamy ice cream. Available through the Williams-Sonoma catalog or at the retail stores. Colors are red or white. Keep the chill bowl in the freezer and you'll always be ready to make a batch of homemade ice cream.

Music and more at The District: June is busting out with music and art at The District at Green Valley Ranch. Throughout the month of June from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday a different musical group will be featured.

Weekly appearances by Bronze in Motion Living Sculptures -- "Statues That Come to Life" -- are featured from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Bring the family.

HGTV's producer addresses students: On Thursday, Home & Garden TV producer Laura Patterson will go behind the scenes at Designer's Challenge with students at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Homeowners wishing to participate in a possible Designer's Challenge in Las Vegas should contact Patterson at laura]patterson@pietown.tv.