As we all finally say ‘so long’ to a brutal winter, and the bikinis and board shorts start making a come-back, it’s important to remember that spring time is the perfect time to start perfecting your skin regiment so your skin stays smooth, supple and, most of all, healthy for many sunny days to come.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen…It can’t be stressed enough. Even with all the recent media coverage on melanoma, we see too many patients who still don’t apply sunscreen before hitting the beach or don’t believe a daily sunscreen for their face is important. We recommend a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. For the face, find one that is combined with a moisturizer so that you’re killing the proverbial “two birds with one stone.” I use either Anthelios 45, Aveeno Positively Radiant or Cerave AM and mix it with my retinoid every morning to keep my skin hydrated, protected, and looking young. (If you aren’t sure what a retinoid is, check out my blog on retinoid skin health. It’s one anti-aging tip you don’t want to miss!)
I know, as a dermatology Physician Assistant, I’m supposed to promote staying out of the sun but, come on, where’s the summer fun in that?! I tell my patients to enjoy the sun but to do it consciously.
For those of us who love to be out in the sun for longer periods of time, make sure you reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours for maximum effect. New FDA guidelines state that sunscreen can no longer be labeled “waterproof” or “sweat proof.” The new labels, after much study on the matter, can claim 40 or 80 minutes of water/sweat resistance. That means reapplication is recommended at even shorter intervals.
Go out and take on the sun but in a way that keeps you looking younger longer and allows your skin to stay healthy too!
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Call us to schedule your yearly skin check and we can discuss sun protection options, too.
Dominic Moccia, RPA-C
Chelsea Skin and Laser