Skin Health

July is UV Safety month, a time to really pay attention on how to protect your skin from damaging rays. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the most common of all cancers in the United States. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays as much as possible. The two main types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, cause premature aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer. These rays come in contact with your skin year-round, even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors (some UV rays can penetrate through glass). It is wise to see a Dermatologist yearly to have a skin exam and check for any abnormal growths or skin issues.

The sun is incredibly damaging to the skin and causes damage to our cells at the nuclear level with our DNA. A fantastic way to keep your skin looking good throughout life is strict sun protection. One strategy is to avoid the midday sun altogether, especially between 12 and 3 p.m. Sun-safe clothing is another way to stay protected such as wide-brimmed hats or UPF 50+ clothing. Apply sunscreen of SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours if you are in the sun.