We now know that despite the lure of golden summer skin, there
is no such thing as a healthy tan. All tanning causes
damage to skin. And despite our best efforts to protect
it, our skin does get exposed to the sun, and can be damaged
by UVR (UV rays). The sun’s rays can reach us even
when we’re not aware of it. UVR can penetrate glass
and clothes, travel through clouds and reflect off water and
sand. All this means that we need to be more vigilant
than we might think. UVR are responsible for sun tans, but
also for sunburns and deeper tissue damage.
The best approach for preventing sun
damage to skin is to avoid or minimize the damage in the first place. The
steps for prevention are simple, but important. They
include:
- Minimizing sun exposure when UV rays are at their peak
(between 11 am and 4 pm).
- Applying sunscreen to your face every day, even if you’re
just going about your usual business. A majority of
sun exposure actually occurs on an everyday basis, such as
while driving and when walking to and from your car. It
is important that your sunscreen contains protection against
UV-A rays as well as the UV-B rays, since the former is more
damaging to our skin.
- Wearing long sleeves, long pants and a hat when you can’t
avoid being over-exposed.
Not all clothes offer equal protection, so know the protective
quality of the clothes you choose. Plain cotton is cool
and comfortable, but offers very little protection from UVR. Darker
colors and certain bright or fluorescent colors typically absorb
more UVR, while whites and pastels absorb less, so less UVR
reaches the skin. Tighter weaves and less porous materials
also reduce UVR exposure to the skin, as do thicker materials. Certain
laundry detergents also contain special UV absorbers. These
are not permanent treatments, but can last for as many as 20
washings.
Today we now also have a wide variety of fabrics and garments
designed to offer additional protection. Look for garments
with a UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) rating. These
can be found in swimming clothes and active wear available
from many sportswear and outdoor specialty stores and catalogues. These
are especially great for children. And speaking of children,
don’t forget to reapply their sunscreen after they’ve
been in the water or running around. Little cheeks, noses
and the backs of necks are especially susceptible to sun exposure,
so keep hats on and reapply sunscreen often.
Sunglasses are important for protecting eyes. Make sure
lenses have a UV protection (not all lenses do), and also wear
a hat to keep rays out of eyes and off the face. Car
windshields are now made with protections against some UVR,
but not the rest of the windows in your car or in your house. Glass
typically blocks out the UV-B rays, but allows the UV-A rays
to pass through. These rays penetrate deeper into the
skin and are responsible for damage to our DNA that can result
in skin
cancer ,
as well as wrinkling. UV-absorbing films, special coatings
or tinting can be applied directly to the glass. Consult
a professional glass installer, especially for your car.
Take that bit of extra time to be sure that you are fully
prepared to protect your skin from the harmful effects of summer
sun. You’ll have fewer sunburns this summer, and
healthier skin for many, many years to come.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in
Burbank and offers extensive procedures in cosmetic skin care,
using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment. She
is known for her exceptional care and service. Visit
them for a FREE consultation with their cosmetic
nurse specialist.
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive, Suite B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
