Protect your skin, its important. So much that July was assigned as UV Safety Month, a time when the Houston dermatologists at DermSurgery Associates and other healthcare associations encourage everyone to be aware of what they’re doing in the sun and how exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) can result in sun damaged skin. Let’s review UV rays and talk about a few ways you can protect your skin during this hot and sunny month.
Why protect your skin from UV rays?
Ultraviolet rays are also called ultraviolet radiation, which gives you a clue right off the top that there might be cause for concern. This radiation has been shown to lead to skin cancer in some people who spend time out in the sun without sufficient protection.
People with light skin weren’t intended to have dark, sun-bronzed skin. If you’re in the sun long enough to change the color of your skin, you’re being over-exposed to the sun’s power. A tan in and of itself is not a problem. The problem lies in the fact that all the while you’re getting tanned, harmful UV rays are assaulting your skin if you haven’t done anything to block them.
Use a good sunblock to protect your skin
Fortunately being safe in the sun isn’t difficult. All you have to do is purchase a good-quality, broad-spectrum sunblock, or sunscreen that has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. You can buy these products with much higher SPFs, which provide even stronger blockage of UV rays. These lotions work well, as long as they’re used properly. Here are some tips.
- Use sunblock whenever you expect to be directly exposed to the sun for more than 10 or 15 minutes.
- To best protect skin, apply lotion to clean, dry skin and rub in well.
- Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going out into the sun so it will have time to be absorbed.
- Even if the sunscreen label says “waterproof,” it’s always a good idea to re-apply the product after being in the water.
- Put on more lotion every two hours, regardless of whether you go in the water or not.
- Make sure that every section of exposed skin is well-covered with sunscreen.
These are all good tips for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. But the best tip of all to protect skin is remember to use sunscreen every time you plan to spend any time under the sun. Forgetting to take this important measure can lead to problems you’d really rather not have.
The dermatologists at DermSurgery Associates of Houston encourage everyone to take excellent care of their skin, and this always includes using a quality sunscreen when you’re out funning and sunning. Skin cancer can affect anyone, but by taking the right precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy the summer sun knowing you’re doing all the right things to protect skin and preserve health.
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DermSurgery Associates is a Greater Houston area dermatology practice offering cosmetic, surgical and non-invasive dermatology treatments and procedures with industry-leading physicians trained and experienced with the most current dermatology technologies and procedures. For more information, contact
DermSurgery Associates
7515 Main, Suite 240
Houston, TX 77030
ph.713.791.9966
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