Protect your Skin

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Anyone can develop skin cancer no matter the color of your skin. Skin cancer is not the only outcome of sun damage. Sunburn, as well as premature skin aging like wrinkles, thickening, sagging, and age spots are all the result of unprotected exposure to sunlight. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays should become routine throughout the year and especially during the long days of summer.

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Getting outside in the summer is good for our mental and physical health, especially for those of us who spend the cold winter months cooped up inside. You can minimize you risk for sun damage if you plan to be outside in the mornings and evenings. Seek shade during the mid-day hours when the sun’s intensity in greatest between 10 am and 3 pm. A good rule of thumb is to use your shadow as a guide. If you shadow is shorter than you are, you should seek shade.

Take advantage of the technology in our clothing! Many new fabrics are available to provide increased protection from harmful sunlight. Look for an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label. Add a wide-brimmed hat to your summer style to get more protection for your ears and face than a regular baseball-style hat.

Sunglasses will not only help prevent cataracts caused by ultraviolet light but also do a lot to protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Continued squinting is a cause of wrinkling or “crows feet” around the eyes.

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Choose a sunscreen that works best for you. Patients often ask which is the best sunscreen. Truthfully, they best sunscreen is the one you are willing to wear regularly. If you perceive that a sunscreen in too greasy or has a bad odor, you may not want to wear it. Try a few different types and find one you like. I recommend finding one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. For babies, small children or if you have sensitive skin, the mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are recommended.

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Apply sunscreen at least 10 minutes before sun exposure and definitely before getting in the water. It takes a few minutes for the sunscreen to adequately absorb into the skin to become effective. Chose a sunscreen that is water resistant and remember to reapply to dry skin at least every two hours.

As skincare experts we want your skin to look and be healthy. These tips on protecting your skin are important and so in regular skin exams. Take time to look yourself over once a month and schedule a regular skin exam with a dermatologist.

Now get out there and enjoy some summer fun!

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-Daniel Hansen, DO