IN Murrysville Spring 2014 | Page 38

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: Receive quality skin care, online and on your time. DermatologistOnCall® is a secure, virtual health solution that eliminates the extended wait time for in-office visits, making accessibility to a board-certified dermatologist easier, faster and more convenient than ever. Start a virtual visit today at www.DermatologistOnCall.com 36 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Murrysville SPONSORED CONTENT 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.