Who doesn’t love the warm summer sun heating their skin. Greeting the day by absorbing heat from the great ball of fire in the sky may be one of humanity’s oldest and most potent rituals.
Tip Number One
“Avoid over exposure to the midday sun!” shares Emily Rodrigues, certified medical aesthetician and licensed laser technician at Sanova Dermatology in Bee Cave, Texas. It’s best to avoid the sun between the hours of 10am and 2pm, when the sun’s UV rays are the most potent. Even on cloudy days, the intensity of the sun during those hours can damage skin, cause sunburn and add to the risk of skin cancer. Enjoy the sun in the early and late part of the days!
Tip Number Two
Use a good sunscreen! Not all sunscreens are equal and you should do your best to make the right choice in sunscreens.
- Use a “Broad Spectrum” screen for protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. If you’re playing in water get a water resistant formula and remember to reapply.
- Use at least SPF 30 or higher when choosing a sunscreen.
- Apply a half hour before going into the sun to dry skin. It’s take’s this time for protection to start.
- “Reapply sunscreen every two hours!” urges Rodrigues. Sunscreens lose effectiveness over time, which is why you hear people complaining about sunburn even though they wore screen. They forgot to reapply.
- Use at least one ounce of sunscreen. Think of it a a shot glass of protection.
- If using a spray on sunscreen, be sure to rub it in with your hands afterward.
Tip Number Three
To repair previous skin damage you can explore medical treatment.
- Specialized skin care products can help reverse skin damage. Ask your dermatologist or aesthetician what products can help.
- Chemical peels can help repair sun damage. “A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin to improve the texture and tone of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers,” explains Rodrigues.
- Laser treatments remove damaged skin and promote reformation of collagen. This can help to offer a more even tone and refreshed, youthful skin. It’s best to receive these treatments through a dermatologist’s office, as proper training and oversight takes place.
Contact Us
Hopefully these tips will help you to enjoy your summer to the fullest. If you have any questions about avoiding sun damage you may want to contact us.
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