Lisa Benest, MD

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Hello, Bloggy Buddies!
I have a cross-post today from a nice blogger over at Lisa Benest MD
How cool are we? A Dr. cross post, LOL….well, we are the coolest bunch, are we not, bloggy buddies? 🙂
So read on, and enjoy!

We now know that despite the lure of golden summer skin, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. All tanning causes damage to skin. And despite our best efforts to protect it, our skin does get exposed to the sun, and can be damaged by UVR (UV rays). The sun’s rays can reach us even when we’re not aware of it. UVR can penetrate glass and clothes, travel through clouds and reflect off water and sand. All this means that we need to be more vigilant than we might think. UVR are responsible for sun tans, but also for sunburns and deeper tissue damage.
The best approach for preventing sun damage to skin is to avoid or minimize the damage in the first place. The steps for prevention are simple, but important. They include:

• Minimizing sun exposure when UV rays are at their peak (between 11 am and 4 pm).
• Applying sunscreen to your face every day, even if you’re just going about your usual business. A majority of sun exposure actually occurs on an everyday basis, such as while driving and when walking to and from your car. It is important that your sunscreen contains protection against UV-A rays as well as the UV-B rays, since the former is more damaging to our skin.
• Wearing long sleeves, long pants and a hat when you can’t avoid being over-exposed.

Not all clothes offer equal protection, so know the protective quality of the clothes you choose. Plain cotton is cool and comfortable, but offers very little protection from UVR. Darker colors and certain bright or fluorescent colors typically absorb more UVR, while whites and pastels absorb less, so less UVR reaches the skin. Tighter weaves and less porous materials also reduce UVR exposure to the skin, as do thicker materials. Certain laundry detergents also contain special UV absorbers. These are not permanent treatments, but can last for as many as 20 washings.
Today we now also have a wide variety of fabrics and garments designed to offer additional protection. Look for garments with a UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) rating. These can be found in swimming clothes and active wear available from many sportswear and outdoor specialty stores and catalogues. These are especially great for children. And speaking of children, don’t forget to reapply their sunscreen after they’ve been in the water or running around. Little cheeks, noses and the backs of necks are especially susceptible to sun exposure, so keep hats on and reapply sunscreen often.
Sunglasses are important for protecting eyes. Make sure lenses have a UV protection (not all lenses do), and also wear a hat to keep rays out of eyes and off the face. Car windshields are now made with protections against some UVR, but not the rest of the windows in your car or in your house. Glass typically blocks out the UV-B rays, but allows the UV-A rays to pass through. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for damage to our DNA that can result in skin cancer , as well as wrinkling. UV-absorbing films, special coatings or tinting can be applied directly to the glass. Consult a professional glass installer, especially for your car.
Take that bit of extra time to be sure that you are fully prepared to protect your skin from the harmful effects of summer sun. You’ll have fewer sunburns this summer, and healthier skin for many, many years to come.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank and offers extensive procedures in cosmetic skin care, using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment. She is known for her exceptional care and service. Visit them for a FREE consultation with their cosmetic nurse specialist.
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive, Suite B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com