Show Off Your ”Sun Smarts”

Often overlooked, our skin is our body’s largest organ. It provides a natural barrier to protect us against infection, injury, sunlight, and heat.

Surprisingly, UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Over time, this cumulative sun exposure can lead to long term health problems.

Know your A/B UV's

There are two types of UV light: UVA and UVB. The difference between the two is the depth to which they are able to penetrate your skin.

• UVA rays reach into the skin’s deepest layer, the dermis. Long term exposure can lead to premature aging and--in some cases--suppressed immune system response.
• UVB rays are responsible for sunburns since they mainly damage the skin’s superficial epidermal layer.

Be Sun Smart

There are many ways to guard your skin against both short and long term effects of UV exposure while still enjoying the outdoor activities that you love.

• Avoid the direct sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. This is the hottest part of the day when the sun is most intense.
• When you venture outdoors, incorporate UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brim hat to protect your eyes.
• Use sunscreen to guard against the UVA/UVB rays that cause the most damage to your skin.

Dermatologists recommend daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as well as re-application every two hours when being active or after a swim. This is especially important for commonly neglected areas, such as the back of the neck, ears, and sun-exposed areas of the scalp.

Layer Up!

There are new products that can give an extra layer of protection such as a sunscreen that can be washed into your clothing or washed on in the shower.

Adopting a layered approach to protecting your skin will provide anti-aging benefits and guard you against the discomfort of painful sunburns and give you peace of mind that you can enjoy all that summer has to offer without sacrificing your health.

Now You're Sun Smart!

By understanding the potential effects of leaving our skin unprotected and taking a proactive approach to guarding against damage we can significantly reduce our exposure and risk for skin cancer. 

Curious to see if your previous sun exposure has taken a toll on your skin? Schedule a full body skin examination today by calling Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater at (757) 461-1033.

Author

Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides comprehensive personalized dermatologic care to patients of all skin types, conditions, and ages. Medical director Jonathan Schreiber, MD, PhD and the entire professional medical team at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater approach dermatologic exams from the medical root of an issue, and similarly, cosmetic issues from the science of a treatment, using science-based support and results with the treatment services offered to patients.