Living in Florida it’s important to prevent and protect yourself from getting burnt by the sun. After all, sunburn is our body’s way of telling us that we have been exposed to too much sun and radiation. So today, Dr. Summer Moon will share some of her tips on when the sun is the most dangerous and how you can protect yourself from it.

Ultraviolet Radiation

To start, Dr. Moon suggests learning when ultraviolet radiation is at its most dangerous levels. Ultraviolet radiation is produced by the sun and can cause harmful effects like sunburn, skin aging, and an increase in the risk of developing skin cancer. Typically, ultraviolet radiation is most intense between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, therefore, avoiding the sun during these times can help prevent your skin from getting burnt. However, if you must be out during this window of time, you will need to be prepared. The best way to protect yourself from a sunburn is by using sun protection clothing, broad brimmed hats, and choosing the right sunblock for your skin.

Minimizing The Damage

For sunblock, Dr. Moon recommends zinc and titanium-based products as this will best protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Reapplying your sunblock is important as well. Sunblock only lasts so long, so if you’re sweating or in the water then you should reapply often.

If you happen to get a sunburn there are things you can do to help minimize the damage to your skin such as using moisturizers, Aquaphor or Vaseline and aloe-based products. Also, it’s important to avoid any harsh chemicals or fragrance, doing so will allow your skin to heal faster. Depending on the severity of your burn you may want to seek guidance from your local dermatologist to see if a topical steroid is needed to help minimize the potential scar or damage to your skin.

If you have any skin concerns that may or may not be associated with your time in the sun or if you have any hair or nail issues, please schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists today! To schedule an appointment please call (727) 585-8591 or visit our website www.BayDermatology.com Your Skin Deserves the Best!