As we begin to venture out and engage in the fun activities of summer, it is very important that we remember to always take the time to practice good sun protection.
· Limit your sun time, especially between the hours of 12 noon and 3pm. This is when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
· Wear protective clothing. Did you know that you can get clothing (not just swimwear) with built-in SPF or Sun Protection Factor? Hats, Sunglasses, even Umbrellas should also be a part of our summer gear. Men, due to having shorter hair tend to be more susceptible for having burns and skin cancer on the scalp, neck and ears. Babies wearing hats help to protect their head and keep sun out of their eyes. They should also wear sunglasses if they can.
· Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily to ALL areas of exposed skin. Common zones forgotten are the top of a bald or shaved head, the ears, lips, neck and feet. Re-apply every two hours if in direct sunlight.
· Do you use enough? Starting amounts are a quarter size for face and neck, and at least a shot glass full for the body. The larger the surface area, add more to get the full strength protection of the SPF rating.
· What about Vitamin D? We only need moderate sun 10-30 minutes a few times a week depending on skin tone (time can increase with depth of natural skin color) and we can still have our sunscreen on! Vitamin D3 supplements are also available.
. Don’t forget, if you have not been seen by a Dermatologist for your yearly total skin exam.
David S. Balle, MD, Grosse Pointe Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, 16815 E. Jefferson Ave., Suite 260 Grosse Pointe, MI 48230, www.grossepointedermatology.com, 313.886.2600.
