Dentist and Skin Care Blog from Boston's Area Leading Dental Office

Part 2 on a two part series...

Catching a few rays can be beneficial to your spirits and your Vitamin D, but too much sun exposes you to unwanted side effects—like premature aging and skin cancer. As summer draws closer and the sun’s angle is more intense, the need for sun protection becomes more critical. Remember to practice these skin cancer prevention habits while enjoying the outdoors:

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the most extreme.  If you have to be outdoors, seek shade during this time.
• Avoid deliberate tanning or tanning booths.
• Slop on the sunscreen. Make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with protection factor of SPF 15 or higher.  As a general rule, apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen every 2 hours to your entire body, including lips, head, ears and neck. Remember to use sunscreen or a UV-rated moisturizer year-round, even on cloudy days.
• Wear protective clothing. Sunscreens alone can’t shield you completely from radiation. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and dark, tightly-woven shirts and pants that cover your arms and legs.
• Keep newborns out of the sun and do not apply sunscreen to babies under 6 months. Sun damage is accumulated and doesn’t happen overnight. Repeated sunburns can lead to skin cancer later in life, so limit your child’s sun exposure at an early age.
• Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs may actually make you more sensitive to the sun, so ask your pharmacist about taking extra precautions.
• Get in the habit of self-examination from head to toe, at least once a month. Check for new growth or changes in the size and appearance of your freckles, moles or birthmarks. Schedule a yearly exam with your doctor or a skin expert.

Smile and Skin facial treatments are infused with age-fighting antioxidants that can counteract damage caused by the elements.  Antioxidants like vitamin C helps reestablish the skin’s clarity and kick start your skin’s firmness, while vitamin A combats uneven skin tone and regenerates new healthy cells.  Sun-damaged skin can also benefit from microdermabrasion—a procedure to exfoliate dead skin and diminish fine lines. Call today for a consultation with Board-Certified Aesthetician Stacey Powell, who’s committed to sharing information about skincare products with lasting results.