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Dr. Sonia’s Tips To Protect Your Skin

Nowadays, there are so many sunscreens on the shelves it is sometimes difficult to know which is the best one for you and for your lifestyle.  If you are confused about the multitude of sunscreen options available today, we at Elite MD are committed to helping make sense of it all for you.

How can I protect my skin?

Prevention. You’ve likely heard the old adage: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.  This is very true when it comes to the skin and the sun.  Some skin cancer prevention tips are as follows:  Seek the shade (avoid sun exposure if possible between 10am and 2pm), avoid burning by frequent application of sunscreen (every 2 hours), and avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.  It is best to also cover up with a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a swim shirt or cover-up wrap when out of the water.  It is recommended that an SPF of 30 be applied daily, even in the winter months, as potentially harmful UV rays penetrate through clouds and overcast conditions.  Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.  Keep newborns out of the sun.  Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months, and there are special formulations without irritants, made specifically for this age group.

Most of the damage from the sun—believed to be close to 80% by most researchers—is caused by the age of 14.  This means that sunburns at an early age, potentially predispose a person to more of a risk of skin cancer than was earlier believed.  The Board Certified Dermatologists at Elite MD recommend that you examine your skin head-to-toe every month, and recommend seeing your dermatologist every year for a professional skin exam.

By Dr. Sonia Badreshia Bansal