There’s nothing like that first day back at the beach. But while the sun feels good on our faces, it’s actually not so good for our skin. Pink cheeks can be a sign of sun damage and give way to premature aging and skin cancer. So what’s a sun-worshipper to do? We checked in with Alyssa Findley, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon specializing in skin cancer detection and treatment, from her office in East Providence. Our takeaway: start each day – not just beach days – with sun protection.
“Sun damage, like wrinkles and skin cancer, will occur over time, not only due to the intensity of exposure to the sun, but also the accumulation. You are exposed to harmful UV rays even on cloudy days, and exposure happens through car and house windows,” says Dr. Findley. “I recommend applying a moisturizer with SPF as part of your morning routine – especially to the face, sides, and back of the neck, and exposed chest,” begins Dr. Findley. SPF stands for sun protection factor; as the value increases, sunburn protection increases; however, it doesn’t reflect time in the sun. For example, SPF 30 doesn’t mean 30 minutes or hours of protection, but is a relative measure of the amount of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen. “Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ helps prevent sun damage, premature aging, and lowers your risk of skin cancer. Reapply every two hours, and if you swim or sweat, use a water-resistant formula. Remember: water-resistant isn’t waterproof!” And for people with sensitive skin, Dr. Findley often recommends mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Dr. Findley also reminds folks to cover easy-to-miss spots like ears, tops of the feet and hands, and the back of the neck with sunscreen, and apply lip balm with SPF. She offers that an easy way to protect skin is by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) sun-protective clothing. Think: swim shirts with sleeves for lotion-averse kids building drip castles for hours, and stylish apparel for daytime jaunts, dining al fresco, even outdoor ceremonies. Staying hydrated helps, too. “Drinking water helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier and keeps your skin looking healthier. Stick to water over sugary or alcoholic drinks, especially on hot days to avoid dehydration,” says Dr. Findley.
While most of us have had a fair amount of sun exposure in our youth, Dr. Findley says that the good news is that skin cancer is generally very treatable when caught early. “And remember, skin cancer does not discriminate – it can occur on younger and darker-skinned people, so it’s important for everyone to get a skin exam.” Worried about a mole? Dr. Findley says that any mole that changes in size, shape, or color – or looks different from others – should be checked. “Itching, bleeding, or new spots that will not heal are also red flags. I always stress early detection.” Learn more at FindleyDerm.com
Raw Elements is a sunscreen brand founded by Brian Guadagno, a career lifeguard at Narragansett Town Beach. Among its attributes, it is “reef safe” which means the sunscreen contains no ingredients that will cause harm to the reefs or any other marine life. Learn more and find stockists at RawElementsUSA.com
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