Besides sunscreen, how can I protect my skin from the sun?

There's an old saying that goes, "Seek shade, not sun." How true this is! Whenever possible, walk on the shady side of the street; sit under an umbrella at the beach or an outdoor café; and stay indoors during the hours of the day when the sun is strongest (10 am to 3 pm). It's also very important to protect an infant or toddler with a brimmed hat, and use the canopy over the stroller or baby carriage.

Harmful UV rays from the sun cause direct damage to skin cells and collagen. In addition, oxygen free radicals develop that damage the skin. The best way to protect yourself from the sun is to avoid it. A combination of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoidance of the sun during the peak hours of 10AM - 4PM are important. We can't always avoid the sun, so you should look for topical products that several ingredients other than susncreen that can help undo the damage caused by UV rays. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, idebenone, coffee berry, and green tea can neutralize the free radicals and prevent the damage they can cause. Peptides can help promote new collagen formation. Growth factors can stimulate wound healing and keep the skin fresh. Finally, if you get a burn, the use of hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation quickly and mimize the harmful effects of the burn.