INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Your Health
9
It won’t be long until the weather turns pleasant. Perhaps you can’t
wait and are heading to a warmer climate for a getaway.
But whether you’re going away or waiting out the cold after being
indoors for the winter, there’s a natural inclination to rush outside to
enjoy warmer days and sunshine.
Before any outdoor activities, however, it’s best to plan ahead. While
the warm temperatures and sun feel good, that sensation should be
tempered by an awareness of the effect of sun on your skin. Even on
cloudy days, there’s a risk of damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. According
to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 42 percent of the people in
the United States suffer from some degree of sunburn each year.
It helps to compile a checklist of steps that are necessary to maintain
the skin’s health while enjoying sunny weather:
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Nine Ways to Shield Your
Skin From Sun Damage
START WITH SUNSCREEN. If you’re going to be outside, even for a short
amount of time, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends
using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and
an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed areas of the skin. Apply sunscreen
15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply approximately every two
hours for optimal protection, even on cloudy days, and after swimming
or sweating since sunscreens tend to wash or rub off. Make sure to use
sunscreen on areas of the skin that are continuously exposed to the sun,
such as the face (especially the nose and ears) and neck. Always carry a
small bottle or tube of sunscreen for use on these areas.
BE AWARE OF THE TIME OF DAY. Reduce exposure to sunlight,
especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the
strongest. Seek shaded areas during these four hours.
DON’T VISIT A TANNING SALON TO CREATE A BASE TAN. Tanning salons
are particularly harmful to your skin, as the ultraviolet light from tanning
beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin wrinkling. If you want to
look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning
product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Long-sleeved shirts,
pants and wide-brimmed hats might seem silly on sunny days, but they
provide the best protection from the sun. Retailers who make clothes to
wear in the sun can be found by Googling “sun protection clothing.”
BE CAREFUL NEAR WATER AND SAND. These elements reflect the
damaging rays of the sun, increasing the chance of sunburn.
Keep your eyes covered. For eye protection, consider wrap-around
sunglasses that absorb ultraviolet radiation in the UVA, UVB and blue
light range. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunglasses that
block up to 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.
DON’T FORGET YOUR LIPS. Chapped lips are a bother, but sunburned
lips are worse. Consider using lipstick sunscreens or lip balms with an
SPF greater than 30.
THE SUN ISN’T THE BEST SOURCE OF VITAMIN D. Make sure your diet
includes safe sources of vitamin D from a healthy diet, including
supplements. Don’t excessively seek the sun for this health requirement.
Finally, MONITOR YOUR SKIN FOR ANY CHANGES. Over the winter there
may be parts of your skin that are always covered and not monthly
self-examinations are recommended to keep track of spots, lesions,
rashes, moles or any other type of growths that can occur without notice.
Remember, board-certified dermatologists are always your best
source of advice and treatment for any skin care problems.
This Industry Insight was written by Jeffery Thompson, D.O.
Jeffery Thompson, D.O., is a graduate of Michigan State
University and is board certified through the American
Academy of Dermatology. His office is located at 4016 Old
William Penn Highway in Murrysville.