How to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk and Treat Sun Damage

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By Karen Lederman

Summer is here and it’s time to make sure you stay safe in the sun. You probably already know the best way to prevent skin cancer and avoid skin damage–protect your skin from UV rays.

Of course, one of the best ways to do this and still enjoy the outdoors is to use a powerful sunscreen.

But how do you choose the right sunscreen and what’s the best way to maximize its effectiveness?

Read on for facts and tips from sun protection experts, EltaMD®, our preferred sunscreen product for clients. We’ll also explain which sun damage treatments work best on skin that hasn’t been protected.

Sunscreen Basics

When it comes to sunscreen, everyone knows it’s important to use sunblock for skin health, but few people know how to choose a sunscreen or how to apply it properly.

If you’re overwhelmed by the choices at the drugstore, it may be best to go for a stronger option you can get from your dermatologist or aesthetic center.

EltaMD® makes a wide range of powerful broad-spectrum sunblocks, including formulas made to resist water, tinted varieties, and just-for-the-face sunscreens.

Sunscreen should be applied regularly, at least 10 minutes before going outside and once every two hours while in the sun. Don’t skimp on the amount! When applying all over the body, you should be using about one ounce per application.

Don’t forget areas like the back of the neck, the ears, and the lips! There are many lip balms available that contain sunscreen protection.

Other Ways to Protect Your Skin

Sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin, but it’s not the only thing you can do to reduce your skin cancer risk.

Protect yourself by staying out of the sun during mid-morning to mid-day when the sun is strongest, seeking shade, and wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that block harmful UV rays.

Other Benefits of Sun Protection

In addition to helping reduce your risk for skin cancer, sun protection has another major benefit; slowing the signs of aging. Sun damage can cause the skin to age rapidly, accelerating the formation of wrinkles, and causing sagging skin, loss of elasticity, and discolorations.

By using sunscreen every day from a young age, you can prevent some of this damage and set yourself up for younger-looking skin in the future! Sun damage treatments include laser skin resurfacing, and IPL and Dermapen for hyperpigmentation.

We Can Help

At Laser Skin & Wellness, our goal is to help keep your skin beautiful and healthy all year round. Come to us for EltaMD® sunblock to help you have a fun and safe summer in the Florida sun.

If your skin is already showing wrinkles from prior sun damage, it might be time to consider our gentle anti-aging skin treatments including laser skin rejuvenation, BOTOX®, and wrinkle fillers.

For more information about the products and services we offer, call or visit our med spa & wellness center locations in Palm Beach Gardens or Lake Worth, Florida.

EltaMD® is a registered trademark of Swiss-American.

Sources:

http://eltamd.com/sun-care