It’s estimated that Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors. While this statistic may seem surprising with concerns about skin cancer on the rise, it’s an unfortunate reality. It is important to remember that enjoying fresh air and outdoor activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. However, we must in turn take the proper precautions in relation to post-sun exposure skin care.

Prevention
Shops, websites and catalogues are flooded with merchandise and products that address skin protection from sun damage. For the ultimate in sun protection, there is Skinceuticals UV Defense (www.skinceuticals.com). These luxurious yet light formulas offer broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection ranging from SPF 15 to 45, and are priced from $29 to $36.
Those with an active lifestyle who prefer a longer lasting form of sunscreen can try Coolibar swimwear (www.coolibar.com). Coolibar, which employs fabrics that are SPF 50+, was rated “Best Overall” sun protection swimwear by the Wall Street Journal in 2004 and is the only brand recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Coolibar also has a full line of outdoor clothing for men, women and children that includes dress shirts, hoodies, hats and pants.
A recent innovation for battling sun damage takes the guesswork out of protection levels. Sunsignals UV Sensors are lightweight, latex-free, water-resistant patches that are simply applied to the skin or clothing and change color as they react to the harmful UVB radiation directly linked to sun damage and skin cancer. The color sensor signals the wearer when sun exposure hits a harmful level. Sunsignals ($5 for a pack of 18 sensors) can be found at most drug and convenience stores.

Recovery
Approximately 80 percent of our total lifetime exposure to the sun, and the associated damage caused by this exposure, occurs during the first 18 years of life. Since most of us are far past our teen years and have likely had a few sunburns since, skin restoration is as essential as skin protection. As a result, spas around the country are creating specialized treatments to address sun damage and prevention simultaneously.
The breathtaking Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin, has an array of healing facial and body treatments. The Skin Restoration Facial (50 minutes, $155-$175) is a hydrating and refreshing treatment that begins with a thorough exfoliation of dead skin layers that also stimulates new cell growth and collagen production. This is followed by an infusion of antioxidant vitamins (A, B, C and E) delivered via a soothing sea-clay mask (vitamins A and C in particular are known to protect the skin from everyday environmental exposure and combat the aging process). An application of sunscreen is an optional conclusion to the service should your plans for the day include outdoor activity.
While most attention is focused on the prevention and treatment of facial sun damage, it’s important to consider the entire body. In particular, hands and feet are exposed to the sun with extreme frequency and should receive special care. For this, the Kohler Waters Spa offers a Restorative Hand Treatment (50 minutes, $75). The service begins with a mild alpha-hydroxy peel, followed by a glycolic body cream application to resurface skin and target age spots. A hand massage and SPF application with full manicure concludes the treatment.
While everyone loves to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the summer sun, it’s important to protect and sooth your skin during this time. There are many choices of products and treatments to help your cause, so visit your local spa or plan a special day at a resort spa to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant this season.

Christy Hatzfeld is the founder and principal of Mica Spa Solutions, LLC, providing spa consultancy services to hospitality developers worldwide. She has a master’s degree from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration and has been a senior executive in the spa industry for eight years.