Sunny Days Mean Skincare & Sun Protection!
Pure Michigan = the summer sun, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear lakes – a true reward after surviving the arduous Midwest winter. LBMD & Associates has advice on how to enjoy your outdoor activities while limiting the risk of sun exposure.
Several major health issues can be linked to UV rays, including skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts, and immune system suppression.
Skin Cancer: One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, most cases being basal cell carcinoma. Chronic UV exposure, childhood sunburns, genetics, and immune system deficiencies increase risk.
Aging of the Skin: Wrinkles and sun spots are often thought of as unavoidable, but the truth is up to 90% of visible skin changes are attributed to the sun! Ultraviolet light penetrates the deep dermal layers of the skin, creating DNA changes at a cellular level. Some of these changes take years to develop, so our yesteryear habits of applying baby oil to get that golden tan certainly contribute to today’s aged skin.
PREVENTION is key! If you’re young, take care of your skin dutifully now. UV damage cannot be reversed, but you can treat and reduce the effects of skin damage.
Cataracts: UV damage can cause cataracts and cancers around the eye, increase the risk for macular degeneration, and is associated with growths on the eyeball.
Immune System Suppression: Overexposure to UV rays may suppress the proper function of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses to cancer and infections.
So, What Can You Do About It?
● Protect your eyes. Look for sunglasses, glasses, or contact lenses that offer 99-100% UV protection.
● Monitor the UV index on a mobile app. We recommend the EPA’s SunWise UV index app – the index is rated 1-15.
o 1-2 is low – no protection is needed.
o 3-7 is moderate–high – seek shade during the late morning/mid-afternoon.
o 8+ is very high–extreme – utilize extra protection and be careful outside. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade.
● Do not burn. Sunburns significantly increase your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially in children and adolescents.
● Diligently apply sunscreen. Apply 1 oz of SPF 15+ to all exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours thereafter, more often if swimming or sweating. Choose a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Both types of protection are important – UVA rays cause aging, and UVB rays cause burning.
● Use a daily facial moisturizer with SPF year-round! Water, snow, and sand reflect the sun’s rays, so no matter the time of year or the setting you’re in, you should still apply facial sunscreen. You’re in the habit of applying moisturizer every day already, so why not add the health benefit of UV protection?
Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram accounts this month for more tips and ideas on protecting you and your family from UV ray damage.