With warm weather comes harsh UV rays and high humidity. It’s the best part of the year, but sun damage can be irreversible if you don’t adequately protect your skin.
Besides the initial discomfort a sunburn causes, overexposure to the sun will cause anything from leathery skin to dark spots and even premature signs of aging. According to the American Cancer Society, one sunburn dramatically increases your chances of developing skin cancer, as an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Here are some tips for protecting your skin this Summer, as recommended by the CDC. If you have concerning signs of sun damage, consider visiting a professional for medical expertise.
Apply sunscreen.
Sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher should be worn when spending time out in the sun. Physical sunscreen is preferred, which will have Zinc listed as the main active ingredient. Get help for hard-to-reach areas and reapply after swimming, sweating, or even just after a few hours outdoors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday.
Protective clothing.
Cover up when out in the sun! Proper clothing can provide protection to areas of your body that may not be reachable with sunscreen – scalp, eyelids, ears, etc. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants/skirts, sunglasses, and hats will help provide added protection from those harmful UV rays.
Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. Look for clothing that is certified for providing UV protection. Wearing a hat with a wide brim will help to keep the sun off your face, the top of your head, and your upper body.
Don’t sunbathe.
Deliberately exposing yourself to the sun for an extended period is not a good idea – even with sunscreen. You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or another shelter. Remember, some of the sun’s UV rays still get through even when you’re in the shade, so never skip the sunscreen.
In addition to sunbathing, avoid the tanning booth! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one indoor tanning session could increase your chance of developing skin cancer by 20%. If your goal is to have that sun-kissed glow, there are a variety of self-tanning products that are safe for regular use at home, and there is always the option of getting a professional spray tan at your favorite spa as well.
Contact Fresh Medical Aesthetics Today
Fresh Medical Aesthetics in Plymouth, MA offers a variety of treatment options to help reduce or remove those premature signs of aging such as those pesky brown spots and areas of hyperpigmentation. Our Nurse Practitioner, nurses, and medical aestheticians can help assess your skin to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to improve your skin’s tone, texture, and pigment, using medical-grade chemical peels, laser/IPL treatments, microneedling/collagen induction therapy, as well as medical-grade skin care products for a customized home skincare regimen.
Remember to always schedule your annual skin check with your dermatologist or PCP to rule out any precancerous, or cancerous lesions on your body.
Set up a free comprehensive skin consultation with the experts at Fresh Medical Aesthetics today! Call Fresh Medical Aesthetics at (774) 454-4934.