Best Preventative Anti-aging Product Available

As a Dermatology office, we are frequently asked “what is the best anti-aging product?” The truth is simple… it’s sunscreen!

While the natural aging process will occur and cause loss of collagen in our skin, UV damage will most certainly cause the skin to age more quickly.  The sun and other UV sources such as tanning beds produce both UV-A and UV-B rays.

•      UV-B rays are responsible for tanning/burning of the skin , and may lead to skin cancer. 
•        UV-B only penetrates the epidermis (very top layer of skin).    

•    UV-A deeply penetrates the skin in the dermis and causes the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is what gives our skin its support and youthful elasticity. UV-A induced breakdown is what can lead to wrinkly and leathery skin. 

Some interesting facts about UV-A (Aging rays) to make you think twice about applying your sunscreen daily.

• UV-A is the same strength year round 
• You don’t feel this UV ray as heat, and temperature does not dictate the amount of UV radiation being emitted.
• 99% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is UV-A
• Up to 40 percent of the sun's UV radiation reaches the earth on a cloudy day.
• Car windows can block approximately 97% of UV-B rays, but UV-A rays are only          blocked - out by 37%. 

You are getting UV-A exposure anytime the sun is out.  Any time of day, and any day of the year. UV-damage does not show up as sunburn, and will silently age your skin. While it is most important to get the first application on in the morning, it is also important to reapply if you know you will have longer periods of exposure. There are many choices for a great broad spectrum sunscreen that will protect against damaging UV-A and UV-B rays. Ask one of our knowledgeable staff members about these products during your next visit and Florida Skin Center

The Art of Applying Sunscreen

     This picture has made it on TODAY, and has since been shared all over social media as a funny and common mistake. It sheds light on the importance of the correct application of sunscreen. A sunburn not only causes pain, but it’s also bad for your health.

    About 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. A person’s risk for developing melanoma doubles if they have had one or more blistering sunburns, or 5 or more sunburns.

   

    A recent study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology states, 37% of people rarely or never applies sunscreen to their back and 43% of people rarely or never ask someone else to help them apply sunscreen to their back. Sunscreen application and examination of the back are important because the back is THE most common area for diagnosed Melanomas.

You can protect yourself by

•        Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays.) Use a sunscreen with a SPF or sun protective factor of at least 30. Reapply approximately 1oz of sunscreen every 2 hours.

•        If using a spray sunscreen, MAKE SURE TO RUB IT IN.

•        Limit sun exposure during hours when the UV rays are the strongest, between 10AM and 4 PM

•        Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

•        Avoid tanning beds

•        Have an annual skin exam performed by a dermatologist.

Do self-skin exams, using the ABCDE's every month, and look for new or changing moles