Our favorite topic for the summer season at The Dermatology Center of Indiana— good protection for your body from the summer sun! As we look at sun protection for the skin, it’s important not to forget protection for the eyes and lips as well. The most essential element for protection is use of a good sunscreen or sunblock. Use of a sunscreen or sunblock of at least SPF30 with reapplication every 1 ½ to 2 hours is extremely important. As you apply sunblock use at least one full shot glass for your entire body.
It’s very easy to forget about protecting our eyes. Melanomas can occur in the eyes, so use of quality sunglasses is necessary. Take your protection level one step further by wearing a hat to provide shade over the face, nose, and ears. It’s also a smart idea to use sunblock on your ears—ears are easy to miss! Lip balm with sun protection will keep your lips from getting burned. For daily use when you are only outside for very short periods of time, make up and tinted moisturizers often contain at least SPF30 and can provide the protection you need.
Sun protective clothing is readily available today, and might take some of the work out of application for you. Sun protective clothing with at least UPF50 (ultraviolet protection factor) decreases the chance of missing areas on your back or shoulders with sunblock. We all have some hard to reach places! Using sun protective clothing for children will help them learn to use it from a young age with hopes to continue throughout their lifetime, just as putting a seatbelt on is important when getting in a car. Everything you can do to protect your skin now will help many years down the road.
‘Tis the season for waterskiing, swimming, and various water sports. If you are going to be very active in the water, reapplication on a more frequent basis is a must! Again reemphasizing sun protective clothing and hats as well as sunglasses during this time in the water is also very protective.
With locations both in Plainfield and Zionsville in Indiana, we are excited to take care of all your skin care needs.
Disclaim: This blog provides general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic, mohs, and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker.