TDC Health News

It's Never Too Late to Protect Your Skin! Published April 04, 2017 @ 6:44pm

Summer is almost here! As summer approaches and we all start to spend more time outdoors, the most important thing that you can do for skin is remember your sunscreen. Remember--there is no such thing as a "safe tan". The number one risk factor for skin cancer is the amount the ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure that one has over a lifetime. This can be from either small amounts of UV exposure over a lifetime, multiple blistering sunburns or tanning bed use. UV exposure is also the leading cause of premature aging. It is important to protect your skin at all ages. It is never to early to do so.

When choosing a sunscreen, always pick one that is broad-spectrum and blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sun protection factor of at least SPF 30. You should apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to the entire body at least 20 minutes prior to going outside, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excess sweating. Babies 6 months and younger should generally avoid the sun and sunscreen. If you must take your baby outside, try to avoid being outside during the hours of 10AM and 4PM, when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the strongest. Try to cover up with loose clothing and a broad brimmed hat. Seek shade whenever possible.

Tulsa Dermatology Clinic offers a wide array of broad-spectrum sunscreens, including Elta MD and Skin Medica.

-Ashwini K. Vaidya, M.D.

Dr. Vaidya holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University. She completed her M.D. at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. After her internship in Internal Medicine at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Evanston, Illinois, she completed her Dermatology residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Vaidya practiced with Dermatology Associates of Tulsa for 9 years before joining Tulsa Dermatology Clinic, Inc., in 2013. She has experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.