Sun Shields

-how to dodge damage and stay out of the red-

Summertime is upon us. Temperatures are up, school’s out, and so is your skin!

Whether you’re packing for a much needed vacay, firing up the grill, or gearing up for the season’s first beach day, take a moment to cover your bases...and your skin.

Cover your Bases

Let’s start from the top, shall we? Your eyes and the surrounding skin are inadvertently exposed to potentially harmful sun exposure every day, simply by going outside. Incorporate a simple safeguard with UVA/UVB-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brim hat when venturing outdoors.

It’s also a good practice to avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest time of day, usually between 10am-4pm, experts say.

Skip the Sunburn

Sunscreen is widely known as an essential line of defense 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.

The most noticeable result of too much sun is a sunburn, which almost everyone has experienced at some point. Unfortunately, though it is relatively common, frequent sunburns over time can create a more serious problem.

Almost 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and melanomas result from UV damage caused by excessive sun exposure. Skip the sunburn. After all, the best “summer color” is your natural, healthy glow! If having a tan is a must, there are many self-tanner options to choose from that won’t put your skin at risk.

Early Prevention

Sun safety is especially important for babies and children. Their skin is even more vulnerable to potential sun damage than adults. This doesn’t mean that they have to bundle up from head to toe or stay indoors.

Children can continue to be involved in sports and participate in all their favorite outdoor activities while staying protected. Incorporating some preventative practices into their routine, such as sunscreen and protective clothing, can deter early damage and establish lifelong healthy habits. Their skin will thank you!

Catch Damage with Annual Exams

You can enjoy all the rest, relaxation, and beautiful weather that summer has to offer, knowing that your skin is shielded.

An annual, comprehensive skin exam will give you peace of mind, answer any questions you might have, and alert you to any new issues that may arise throughout the year. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers at Integrated Dermatology Group today by calling (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.