Keeping Your Skin Healthy in the Summer
Protect against early signs of aging and learn about treatments that target sun damage.
It’s never too late to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. No matter whether you are at high risk for developing skin cancer or not, it’s important that you properly care for your skin to prevent damage. With offices in both Glendora and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, dermatologist Dr. Amarpaul Sidhu can help keep your skin safe during those beautiful summer months as well as treat preexisting sun damage!
Preventing Skin Cancer
We know how exciting it can be to go outside in that beautiful sunny weather and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Just don’t forget to protect your skin! Here are some tips to reduce your risk for sun damage and cancer:
- Avoid the sun at its most intense times, between the hours of 10am and 2pm, where you are at a greater risk for developing sunburn. If you must go out during these times, always apply sunscreen, use protective clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
- Always apply sunscreen liberally about 20-30 minutes before going outside. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30. If you’ve been using the same sunscreen year after year it’s also time to check that expiration date. After all, sunscreen usually doesn’t last more than three years.
- While the goal is to protect your skin at all costs this also means thinking about the delicate skin around your eyes, as well. Wearing sunglasses is crucial, especially if you have blue or green eyes. Wearing sunglasses regularly can also prevent cataracts.
- While you’re already sporting sunglasses it’s also a good idea to put on a hat, as well. This can protect your scalp and ears from getting sunburned. If you opt for a hat that doesn’t have a wide-brim make sure that you apply enough sunscreen to your neck and ears.
Treating Sun Damage
If you’ve ever had a sunburn before or ever gone outside without sunscreen, then you definitely have some degree of sun damage. Luckily, our Glendora, CA, skin doctor offers a couple of different ways to improve the health and appearance of your sun-damaged skin:
- Chemical peels: By applying a special acidic solution to the skin, we can remove the outer layers, which are also the most damaged, to reveal healthier, more radiant skin underneath.
- Laser therapies: Fractional resurfacing can also be used to stimulate collagen production and improve the texture and complexion of your skin while reducing sun damage, superficial scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is similar to chemical peels, with a large difference—instead of a chemical solution being applied, dermabrasion uses a special handheld tool that glides over the skin to remove the outermost layers to reveal healthier skin underneath.
Give Us a Call!
No matter whether you need to schedule a skin cancer screening or you want to discuss the right treatment option to improve the health of your skin, Foothill Dermatology Medical Center in Glendora, CA, has you covered! Schedule a consultation with our dermatologist today.