20 Sep Sun Damage in the Summer
Summer should be peak season for doubling down on your sunscreen regimen, but that’s often not the case. Fortunately, RefinedMD works closely with patients for sun damage care, from laser skin rejuvenation to reverse the signs of sun damage to helping minimize the appearance of melasma (which seems to crop up more in summer months). We’re hyper-aware of the sun this time of year. We’re outdoors more and are usually exposing more of our skin. So why aren’t more people being extra careful to protect themselves from UV damage?
For starters, not all sunscreens are created equally. You need a broadband sunscreen to protect against all types of UV rays, and that simply isn’t the case with a lot of sunscreens you might find at the grocery store. The best sunscreens are available at your dermatologist’s office. We’ll work with you to determine your needs, from a water-resistant sunscreen to one that’s guaranteed to keep you from breaking out.
How Melasma Occurs
Exposure to UV rays is just one side effect of choosing the wrong sunscreen. A lot of people start the summer committed to daily sunscreen usage, but as soon as their sunscreen gives them acne, they opt-out. Any topical product can give you acne if it’s oil-based and clogging your pores. For the budget-savvy, having a sunscreen that’s specifically designed for the face and a different one for the body is a great way to stay protected without causing breakouts. Typically, sunscreen for the face is a little more expensive because it’s designed to avoid breakouts. You don’t need such a finessed product for your body (just one that’s broadband), so having two sunscreens ultimately helps you save.
Another summer issue is the fact that sunscreen needs to be liberally reapplied every 75 minutes any time you’re exposed to the sun. The days are longer, and we need to remember that sun exposure can include when you’re driving or sitting next to a window. If you don’t reapply, you’re unprotected for all but 75 minutes of the day. Scheduling a reminder on your phone is a great way to get into the rhythm.
Finally, if you have melasma, keep in mind that sun exposure is a common trigger. Melasma is most prevalent in pregnant women, but anyone of any gender can suffer from these gray patches. They aren’t dangerous, but they can be unsightly. There’s no cure but avoiding the sun and getting laser or light treatments can help.
Let Us Help You Treat Your Melasma
To learn more about summer skincare, contact RefinedMD today.