Protecting Your Skin from the Sun
Excessive sun can lead to many harmful skin conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. Sun exposure can cause painful sunburns and rashes, wrinkles and freckles, permanent changes in the texture of your skin, and melanoma, or other types of skin cancers. Developing an effective skincare routine and finding a dermatologist you can trust are just two ways of keeping your skin problem-free.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure
One of the most important and effective ways to ensure your skin does not become sun-damaged is to avoid exposing it to the sun for longer than absolutely necessary. Whether you have very fair skin or are dark-complexioned, the sun’s rays can be extremely harmful. When spending some time in the sun is unavoidable, do your best to cover your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants. If you are prone to sunburns or have a family history of skin cancer, you may even consider carrying an umbrella with you while spending time outdoors.
Use Sunblock Every Day
Use sunblock every time you leave your house, and reapply it as often as the instructions recommend. Try to find a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. If your makeup contains sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, that should be sufficient to protect your face from general everyday sun exposure, but it will do nothing to protect your scalp, neck, arms, and legs. Find a water-resistant sunscreen for the rest of your body, and apply it 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and every two hours from that point on. As an alternative to sunscreen, use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Make Regular Visits to Your Dermatologist
Dermatologists can perform skin cancer screening to check for any signs of skin cancer or other harmful skin issues. They will inspect moles to determine if they are cancerous and help you find the right skincare routine to best protect you from the sun.
No matter how well you protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, you can always benefit from professional examinations and advice. To consult with a dermatologist in the Salt Lake City area, contact Swinyer – Woseth Dermatology at 801-266-8841.