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

Tag Archives: Skin Health

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.

We all know by now the harmful effects that the sun can have on our skin. Not to mention that the intensity of it during the summer months only amplifies that. So why risk the health of your skin by not investing in a quality sunscreen? We put together a list of some of our favorite ones that will help keep your skin protected this summer.

SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Def SPF 30. The lightweight feel is very hydrating to the skin helping with UV-induced pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Skinceuticals UV Def., Phys Fusion SPF 50. This ultra-sheer, tinted formula provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. It goes on smoothly and spreads evenly enhancing skin radiance.
Skinceuticals UV Def., Phys Matte SPF 50. A tinted mousse that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters. The technology behind it helps it to maintain a matte finish, even in high humidity.
PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45. This water-resistant formulation can be used on the face and body and contains potent antioxidants that further protect the skin.

When it comes to sunscreen usage consistency is key. It is so important to use them regularly as they are our first line of defense against damaging UVA/UVB rays. If you would like to learn more about what sunscreen is right for you, contact the skin care experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

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.

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.

As you may have learned over the years, cleaning your face with a washcloth isn’t always enough. To properly get rid of that layer of dead skin cells that often gives a dull, lackluster appearance, something more is usually needed. That’s where microdermabrasion comes in!

What is a Microdermabrasion?

A microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin care treatment, usually performed by an aesthetician, that utilizes medical-grade crystals to gently remove the dead, top layer of the skin.

How does it work?

Using a small hand device, with a rough-edged tip, it is slowly passed over the skin to break apart dead skin cells. This in turn clears up the upper layer of skin while massaging the skin tissue helping to improve circulation.

What can it address?

It can help dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and superficial scars.

How many treatments are needed?

To achieve the best results, a series of 6-12 treatments spaced a few weeks apart is recommended.

How will my skin look after?

Immediately after treatment, the skin will have a radiant glow. The tone and texture will be most noticeably improved.

Is there any special post-treatment care needed?

The skin will be slightly sensitive after treatment, so it’s important to use both an SPF and moisturizer to keep it protected.

As you can see, a microdermabrasion can be an effective treatment for revitalizing the skin. If you would like to learn more about the process and see if it would be for you, contact the skin care experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

Did you know that the food you eat has a direct correlation with the overall health of your skin? It can influence the tone, texture, and clarity of your skin. That’s right! The secret to healthier, more beautiful skin may lie in your diet. Here are some foods that can improve the appearance of your skin…

It is a common misconception that a tan is a sign of good skin health, this is not the case. A tan is actually a sign of damage to the skin and can be just as dangerous as a sun burn. It can cause skin to age prematurely as well as contribute to skin cell damage. Indoor tanning salon booths and beds in particular pose an even greater threat, delivering up to 15 times more UV radiation than the sun.

On average, more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons each day in the US alone. These statistics are alarming considering the serious health risks involved. Not only can tanning lead to unsightly brown spots and wrinkles, but it can also significantly increase the possibility of developing skin cancer. Many tanning salons avoid those facts though, and instead promote the idea that tanning is a great source of vitamin D. Adequate vitamin D however can be obtained in a number of healthier ways, whether through the consumption of fish, milk, orange juice or supplements.

Though a tan may look good now it can have harmful effects on the health of your skin later. Simply put, there is no such thing as a safe tan especially when it comes to indoor salons.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)