Protecting Your Skin from Sun Damage: Simple Steps for Healthier Skin This Summer

Tag Archives: healthy skin

Summer means spending more time outdoors, whether you’re at the beach, working in the yard, or simply enjoying a weekend with family and friends. While sunshine has its benefits, too much sun exposure can have lasting effects on your skin.

Over time, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles, sun spots, uneven pigmentation, and most notably, increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

The good news? Most sun damage is preventable. And there are a few simple habits that can go a long way toward keeping your skin healthy, not just this summer, but all year long.

How Does the Sun Damage Your Skin?

Many people think sun damage only occurs after getting a sunburn, but that’s not the only case. Your skin is exposed to UV rays every day, even when it’s cloudy. And daily activities like driving, gardening, walking the dog, or running errands all add up over time.

There are two types of ultraviolet rays that affect your skin:

UVA Rays

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin where they break down collagen and elastin (the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and youthful).

Over time, repeated UVA exposure can lead to:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Loss of skin elasticity
Uneven skin tone
Brown spots and sun spots
Premature aging

Because UVA rays can pass through glass, you’re exposed even while driving or even sitting near a window.

UVB Rays

UVB rays affect the outer layers of your skin and are the primary cause of sunburn.

More importantly, UVB rays damage your skin’s DNA, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer, including:

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma

Even if you don’t burn easily, repeated UV exposure causes cumulative damage over the years.

Sunscreen Is Your Best Defense

One of the easiest ways to protect your skin is by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 daily.

Broad-spectrum means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, helping reduce your risk of:

Sunburn
Premature aging
Dark spots
Wrinkles
Skin cancer

Applying sunscreen every morning is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin.

Are You Applying Enough Sunscreen?

Most people simply don’t use enough sunscreen to get the protection listed on the bottle.

As a general guideline:

Face and neck: About two finger-lengths of sunscreen.
Entire body: About one ounce (roughly a shot glass full).

For the best protection:

Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours.
Reapply after swimming or sweating.

Don’t Rely on Sunscreen Alone

Sunscreen works best when it’s part of a complete sun protection routine.

Some ways you can further reduce your UV exposure is by:

Wearing a wide brimmed hat
Using UV blocking sunglasses
Wearing UPF rated clothing
Seeking shade whenever possible
Avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 10am and 4pm (this is when the UV rays are strongest).

Can Existing Sun Damage Be Treated?

Yes. While preventing sun damage is always the best approach, many of its visible effects can be improved.

Depending on your skin concerns, treatment options may include:

Medical-grade skincare products
Prescription topical medications
Laser treatments
Treatment of precancerous lesions
Other customized treatment options based on your skin

The right treatment depends on your skin type, your goals and the amount of sun damage.

When Should You Schedule a Skin Check?

Annual skin cancer screenings are one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early, when treatment is often simpler and more successful.

Schedule an appointment if you notice:

A mole changing in size, shape, or color
A spot that bleeds or won’t heal
A new or rapidly growing lesion
A sore that repeatedly comes back
A mole that looks different from the others

If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t ignore it. It’s always better to have it evaluated.

Healthy Skin Starts with Prevention

Protecting your skin isn’t just about avoiding a painful sunburn, it’s about reducing your risk of premature aging and skin cancer.

Whether you need a skin cancer screening, have concerns about a changing mole, or want help treating existing sun damage, our team at Lisa S. Ball NP at the Neiman Dermatology is here to help.

Call us today at (716) 688-0020 or click here to schedule your appointment and keep your skin healthy all year long.

As we age, our body’s natural collagen production begins to slow down. And once we hit age 30, collagen levels gradually decrease each year. This can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, thinner hair, brittle nails, and a loss of skin elasticity.

While we can’t stop the aging process, there are ways to help.

At The Neiman Dermatology Building, we believe healthy skin starts with a comprehensive approach. Dermatology treatments, medical-grade skincare, and daily sunscreen are all important. But proper nutrition and high-quality supplements can also play a role in supporting healthy skin and hair.

One product many patients love for this is the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein.

What Is Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein?

Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein is a premium collagen powder that contains 10 different types of collagen from multiple sources. Unlike many collagen options that contain only one or two collagen types, this formula is designed to support the skin, hair, nails, and joints.

The collagen is hydrolyzed, which means it is broken down into smaller parts for better absorption within the body.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps provide structure and strength to your skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.

As collagen production naturally declines with age, many people choose to add collagen peptides to their daily routine to help support:

Healthy-looking skin
Skin hydration
Skin elasticity
Fine lines and wrinkles
Stronger hair
Healthier nails
Joint support

While collagen won’t stop aging, it can be a helpful part of an overall healthcare routine.

Can Collagen Help Hair Health?

Healthy hair depends on many factors, including genetics, hormones, nutrition, and scalp health.

Although collagen isn’t specifically a treatment for hair loss, it does provide amino acids that help support the proteins involved in healthy hair growth and structure.

Many patients combine the collagen with supplements Nutrafol as part of their overall hair wellness routine.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Collagen doesn’t work overnight.

Most people who take collagen consistently begin noticing improvements in their skin, hair, or nails after about 8 to 12 weeks. As with any supplement, results vary from person to person.

Healthy Skin Starts with a Complete Routine

Collagen is just one part of maintaining healthy skin.

For the best results, we also recommend:

Wearing sunscreen every day
Using medical-grade skincare products
Eating a healthy diet
Staying hydrated
Scheduling regular skin examinations

Taking care of your skin from both the inside and outside can help you maintain healthier-looking skin for years to come.

Interested in Learning More?

If you’re interested in Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein or would like recommendations for other products that support healthy skin and hair, our team is happy to help.

Stop by The Neiman Dermatology Building or contact our office to learn more.

Chances are, you know the importance of regular sunscreen use. Not only does it protect against skin cancer, but it can also help prevent premature aging. However, the question for many is: which sunscreen is right for them?

The first step in finding the right sunscreen is to know your skin type. Skin types can vary from dry to oily, sensitive, or combination. Each type requires specific considerations when it comes to sunscreens. For instance, individuals with oily skin may prefer oil-free formulas, while those with dry skin may benefit more from sunscreens with hydrating or moisturizing properties.

Next, consider any specific skin concerns of yours, such as acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation. For instance, certain sunscreen ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are suitable for sensitive skin types and can help calm inflammation. Whereas for acne-prone skin, you may want to look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog the pores.

When considering sunscreen, also pay attention to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and ensure it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 for adequate protection. Higher SPF values provide increased sun protection, but with any, it is essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Below are some sunscreens we recommend:

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. A tinted sunscreen that has an SPF of 50. It has 100% mineral filters and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50. A 100% physical tinted sunscreen with an oil-absorbing base that leaves a long-lasting matte finish. This sunscreen is formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide high broad-spectrum UV protection.
PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45. This face and body sunscreen provides water-resistant, broad spectrum protection with a light finish.

When choosing the right sunscreen for you, the most important factors include personal preference, skin type, and your individual needs. Whatever sunscreen you choose, it’s important to pick one that you will use consistently.

Source(s): American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Skinceuticals.com, PCAskin.com

Since November is National Healthy Skin Month, there is no better time than now to think of your skin’s health. And one of the best ways to do that is by using a quality regimen of skin care products. So, we put together a list of some of our favorite SkinCeuticals products that will help you do just that.

A.G.E. Eye Complex. Great for dry, aging skin around the eyes. It helps to nourish the area, reducing any puffiness or wrinkles that may be present.
C E Ferulic. This incredible serum contains antioxidants that help to prevent and reverse the signs of photodamage. This, in turn, brightens the skin’s overall complexion. It can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the firmness of the skin.
Daily Moisture. A gentle moisturizer for oily skin that helps to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores.
Emollience. A nourishing moisturizer for dry skin that hydrates for a healthy glow.
Hydrating B5 Gel. This one is a great complement to either of the above moisturizers helping to further replenish the moisture and nutrients the skin needs for a smooth and healthy appearance.
Glycolic Renewal Cleanser. A foaming cleanser that targets dull and rough skin for a refreshed, clearer complexion. Great for any skin type.
LHA Cleanser Gel. A deep penetrating cleanser that exfoliates the skin and decongests clogged pores. Perfect for those who have oily, acne-prone skin.
Micro-Exfoliating Scrub. Provides a hydrating exfoliation, polishing away any dead skin cells for a smooth, radiant result.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. This quick-absorbing cream is ideal for aging skin by helping to restore the skin’s essential lipids and reduce the appearance of pores.

As you can see, SkinCeuticals offers a variety of options for skin health. To find out which is best for you, contact the skin care professionals at Lisa S. Ball FNP today.

Fall is here and that means leaves changing colors, cozy hoodies, and pumpkin everything. Despite some of those things that make the season so great, the cooler, drier weather that comes with them is not the best for our skin. That’s why this time of year, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine. Here are some ways to do just that:

Use an exfoliator. Exfoliating helps to remove any dead skin cells, which in turn, improves the overall appearance of the skin. We recommend the SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub because it’s gentle enough to use daily without causing any irritation to the skin.
Avoid long showers. Limit your time spent in the shower to 5-10 minutes. This will help minimize the removal of the skin’s natural oils which are crucial in preventing it from drying out.
Moisturize daily. This is important to do right after you get out of the shower as it helps to lock in any moisture. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum is a great option as its buttery soft texture seals in moisture and helps to replenish any that may be needed. If extra hydration is needed, try using a heavier base cream.
Wear an SPF daily. Even though it’s typically not as sunny as other times of the year, harmful UV rays are still present and sunscreen should be worn at all times. We love the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30. Not only because it’s an effective sunscreen but it also helps in fading any skin discolorations.
Drink lots of water. It’s important not only to moisturize on the outside but on the inside as well. Staying hydrated will help flush out any toxins and promote overall healthier skin.

Follow these tips and your skin shouldn’t fall victim to the harsh weather of the season. If you do however find yourself with concerns, contact the skincare professionals at Lisa S. Ball NP today!

September is Healthy Aging Month, which is a great opportunity to focus on the overall well-being of your skin. Did you know that as we age, aside from those annoying fine lines and wrinkles that pop up, the risk for skin cancer also increases? The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that by the age of 70, roughly 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer.

That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of the health of your skin. Here are some ways to do just that:

Avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm. This is when the sun peaks in the sky and UV rays are at their strongest.
Wear sunscreen daily. Even on cloudy, winter days, harmful UV rays are still prevalent. We recommend our patients wear a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, reapplying every two hours.
If outside for extended periods, wear a hat with a wide brim. This will not only provide shade for your face but also increased protection from sun exposure.
Regular skin examinations. We recommend our patients get their skin checked for any cancerous lesions at least once a year. Patients with a history of skin cancer are advised to be seen more frequently.
Avoid tanning. This one cannot be emphasized enough. Aside from increasing the risk of skin cancer, it can also contribute to speeding up the aging process.

These tips will not only help to keep your skin looking its best, but also decrease your risk of skin cancer. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call us at 716-688-0020 or click here.