Dermatology: Happy Summer! Keep your skin healthy!
It’s the first week of summer! Here are some pro-tips for safely enjoying the sun and sea from your skin experts at Flatiron Family:
The SKIN•NY on SUNSCREENS:
Dermatologists divide sunscreens in two categories: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb ultraviolet rays. It’s in the skin cells that these UV rays can alter DNA and lead to problems down the road. But when chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, they convert UV energy to heat, which can lead to allergic reactions and uneven pigmentation. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens (look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the back of the bottle) reflect the sun's rays away from the skin. They are inert, hypoallergenic, reef-safe and eco-friendly. They also happen to be the most effective!
In the past, mineral (zinc and titanium) sunscreens left a white or blue pasty film on the skin. But new formulations like those found in Neutrogena Sheer Zinc or La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen are less conspicuous and more breathable. Tinted mineral sunscreens give added protection with microscopic pigment crystals that shield the skin from harmful rays. They also conceal blemishes. La Roche Posay, Elta MD and SkinCeuticals are just three of the many brands that offer these tinted mineral sunscreens. For brown skin tones, try a slightly darker shade like Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen in Medium/Dark. Brands like Ilia offer dozens of shades to match your skin tone combined with zinc while others like Laura Mercier combine these pigment crystals with chemical sunscreen ingredients to offer both chemical and pigment crystal protection.
While your dermatologist may have his/her preference, remember the best sunscreen is the one you use so try out a few until you find the one that feels best on your skin. If that sunscreen doesn’t contain zinc or titanium, shoot for SPF 30 or higher. Whatever sunscreen you choose, apply it frequently, even if it’s water resistant.
For the youngest and fairest among us (red heads, blondes with blues), consider sunscreen apparel with UPF 50 or higher when enjoying the outdoors. Avoid the most direct UV rays between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. Outside of these hours, the sun’s rays are more gentle. If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis, vitiligo or another inflammatory condition of the skin, you’ll find the sun’s early morning and evening rays improve your skin. That’s because UV light regulates and normalizes the human body's largest immune organ: the skin. Gentle sun rays are also important for vitamin D production, mood elevation and regulation of your sleep cycle. So don’t hide from the sun, enjoy it wisely.
If you’re brown-skinned or tan easily, the good news is your risk of skin cancer is lower than lighter skinned individuals. But it’s not zero. Consider regular sunscreen use for smoothing out your complexion, avoiding fine lines and ensuring your natural, healthy glow shines all year round.
Whatever this summer holds, we want you stay healthy and safe. If you’ve had a personal or family history of skin cancer, be sure to follow up with your dermatologist for regular skin checks, preferably before your first sun exposure since the sun can make normal moles look scary - even to your dermatologist. If you find any new, changing or unusual spots, regardless of your personal risk factors and time of year, get them checked at least once.
Stay well and safe and enjoy the summer!