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Health & Fitness

Summer is Here: Don't be the Lobster at the Lobster Boil!

Summer is almost here! That probably means you and your family will be going on a vacation, going to six flags, or even hanging out at the Kirkwood pool. All of these activities have one thing in common; sun exposure.

Sun exposure is dangerous because the sun sends multiple types of ultraviolet rays to the earth which have been proven to cause skin damage, especially in the form of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and cause oxidative damage that can lead to genetic mutations producing cancer. UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply into the skin as UVA rays, but are also highly dangerous. They are absorbed by DNA, and then damage the DNA strands which can eventually lead to cancer if the strands are not repaired by the body.

The best way to protect you and your family from the sun’s damaging rays is to apply sunscreen when you expect to be outdoors during the summer.The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends an SPF of at least 30 of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which should include UVA and UVB protection.

The AAD also recommends applying sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and at least every 2 hours while you are out in the sun. You should pick a sunscreen that is water resistant so it doesn’t come off when you sweat or jump in the pool. Sunscreen should be applied more often in people who have an increased risk of burning, such as fair skinned people, as well as people who partake in summer activities that can decrease the sunscreens effectiveness, such as sweating and swimming.

The AAD also recommends increasing the frequency of sunscreen applications if you plan on being around snow, sand, and water, which reflect the sun’s rays and put you at increased risk for skin damage. Also, don’t forget to protect your lips by applying a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30 or more—they can burn too!

Don’t be fooled by the clouds! Clouds can make it look like the sun isn’t out, leading you to believe you can’t get burned. This is a common misconception. UV rays can (and will) penetrate through clouds, which will put you and your family at an increased risk of skin cancer. Be sure to apply sunscreen even if you plan on being outside during an overcast day.

Another common misconception is that people with genetically darker skin have a decreased risk of developing skin cancer due to sun exposure. The fact is that darker skinned people are at a higher risk for rare types of skin cancer, such as acral lentiginous melanoma, which can be hard to diagnose. Sunscreen should not be applied to babies less than 6 months of age. If you will be outside with a child younger than 6 months old, make sure they are covered in pants, long sleeves, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses. You should apply sunscreen to children 6 months of age and older every two hours if they will be exposed to the sun. Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal choices for babies and toddlers because they will cause less irritation to a child’s sensitive skin.

If you’re worried about getting enough vitamin D, which the sun does provide a high quantity of, you shouldn’t be. Foods such as milk, yogurt, cereal, fortified orange juice, and fish are great sources of vitamin D which do not bear the high risk of skin cancer. Vitamin D is also available as a supplement, and you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you may need extra Vitamin D in your diet.

Protecting your face with a daily moisturizer with SPF is important for both men and women and helps to prevent aging as well.  The RxSkin Therapy line offers “Rebuilding Day Cream with SPF 15″ for normal, oily and dry skin types.  This highly emollient formula rejuvenates skin with smoothing squalane and moisturizing aloe. Each silky, nourishing cream softens and hydrates skin for a more youthful, luminous complexion. The point of difference is that this is a mineral sunscreen with potent antioxidants that maintains the structure and health of normal skin.  Purchase at Greentree Pharmacy, or online at http://www.greentree-rx.com/store.  

Visit Greentree Pharmacy for all of your skincare needs.

Best in Health,
Paul Hueseman, PharmD
Greentree Pharmacy
301 S. Kirkwood Rd.
Kirkwood, MO 63122
(314) 394-2404
www.greentree-rx.com 

References:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/3/e791.longhttp://mobile.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2013/May2013/Sunburn-Protection-New-Rulesfor-Sunscreenshttp://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens#.UaTGwdLFWSo

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