Proper Skin Protection

Facts we want our patients to know about their skin

Because overexposure to sunlight, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering, is a major cause of skin cancer, sun protection, especially during peak hours (10 am to 3 pm) is crucial for healthy skin.  Limit your exposure to the sun's harmful, invisible UV rays by wearing sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats, and protective, tightly woven clothing.  Use a broad-spectrum sunblock rated SPF-15 or higher on all your exposed skin, including lips, even on cloudy days.  Prevention of sun damage is the key to young looking, beautiful skin!

Reapply sunblock frequently, especially while your are swimming or sweating. Avoid tanning beds because they deliver two and a half times the damaging ultraviolet radiation you would normally get from the sun. Topical self tanners are safe to use.  However, topical self tanners are not sunblocks and you need to also apply sunblock before you go out

into the sun.

You should inspect your entire body regularly for any skin changes and seek professional examination at least once a year is crucial in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.

       

Sun Damage:

1. Because sun damage is the leading cause of wrinkles and age spots, the most powerful anti aging skin cream is a sunblock.

2. Many people do not realize that they get sun exposure while under water or outside in the shade (such as under an umbrella).

3. Permanent skin damaged is caused by both ultraviolet A (UVA or tanning) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB or burning) rays. Bothe cause wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer with the UVA (tanning) rays causing the most damage. There is no safe suntan.

4. A sunscreen protects against UVB (sunburn) rays but lets the UVA (tanning) rays through. A sunblock blocks both of the damaging UV rays.

5. The SPF number measures the amount of UVB (sunburn) protection. It does not measure UVA (suntan) protection. Unless a sunscreen (even with an SPF of 60) also states that it has UVA (suntan) protection it will not protect against wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.

6. Zinc oxide is the most effective "broad spectrum" sunblock and protects against wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer, and sunburns by blocking both UVA and UVB light.

7. Most people do not apply the proper amount of sunblock. A full ounce (a shot glass) is required to cover the body effectively and at least one teaspoon is required for the face.

8. Sunblocks may tout that they are waterproof but they can be only water resistant. Any sunblock will come off more rapidly while in the water.

9. Reapply sunblock every two hours while in the sun and after going in the water.

10. According to the FDA, tanning beds increase the risk of skin cancer. Some tanning beds deliver two and a half times the damaging ultraviolet radiation one would normally get from the sun.

11. Topical self tanners, are considered safe to use. However, topical self tanners are not sunblocks and you will need to apply a sunblock before you go out in the sun.

12. We can help with personal skin evaluation. Please ask the doctor or a nurse for ansers to your skin care questions.

   

Play it Safe in the Sun- A Guide for Parents

      

Hey Moms and Dads!

Not all sun protection comes in a bottle. There are lots of ways to protect your child's skin all year long. Here are five you can try:

1. Hide and Seek:

UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief once it has happened.

2. Cover'em Up:

 Clothing that covers your child's skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always practical. A T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too--but it is wise to double up on protection by applying sunblock or keeping your child in the shade when possible

3. Get a Hat:

Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection.  Baseball caps are popular among kids but they don't protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunblock.

4. Shades are Cool.:

And they protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

5. Rub on Sunblock:

Use sunblock with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection every time your child goes outside.

772.335.7477

1901 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd

Port St. Lucie, FL 34952