Summer is a time to celebrate outside with cookouts, swimming, and beach days. Soaking up the sun’s rays is often high on many people’s to-do lists, but if you don’t take proper care of your skin during summer, you risk experiencing skin cancer and premature aging.
Immediate effects of not protecting your skin this summer include mild to severe sunburn, dry and leathery skin, sun spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone. More long-term consequences include melanoma, the most common type of cancer among American adults – so it’s imperative to take care of your skin.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gale knows the best ways to protect your skin while enjoying your summer to the fullest.
Use Sunscreen
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen acts as a barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even if it’s cloudy outside, the UV rays will still be beating down, so make sure to apply sunscreen on any exposed skin regardless of the weather.
A minimum SPF of 30 works best, with higher SPF better if you’re going swimming or to the beach for several hours. Don’t forget to reapply after sweating or swimming – but dry off first!
Wear a Hat
The backs of your hands, top of the forehead and head, nose, and back of the neck are the most frequent places where skin cancer develops. Since these areas catch most of the sun, wearing a hat is an essential element of summer skin protection.
A broad-brimmed hat is ideal, but any baseball cap will make a significant difference in your skin’s future appearance and health.
Stay out of the Sun During Peak Hours
The sun’s UV rays are most potent when the sun is highest in the sky – between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you can, try and stay out of direct sunlight for extended periods during this timeframe to reduce any chance of sunburn, sun spots, and uneven skin tone.
Check Your Skin
Monitoring your skin and any current freckles or moles is an essential step in early detection of concerning issues. Look for any new marks or changes in size, shape, color, and texture of existing spots. If you notice something, book a consultation with an experienced dermatologist to get it checked.
Skin Treatments in Riverton, UT
Taking proper care of your skin this summer is essential for long, worry-free fun in the sun. To discuss the best products and procedures for healthy skin in Riverton, UT, contact us at (801) 506-6344 or fill out our online form today.