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SUN PROTECTION WHEN YOU NEED IT FROM SSDP  

 

Woman and child with sunscreen  

When you're searching for the right sun protection for your skin this summer, you needn't look farther than South Shore Dermatology Physicians. We carry an array of high quality, physician-dispensed and over-the-counter products at competitive prices.

 

Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 provides a high level of protection against harmful UVA and UVB  rays. Non-greasy, with a PABA-free and fragrance-free formula, Obagi Broad Spectrum sunscreen feels great on the skin and is perfect for all skin types. 


LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid is an ultra-light sunscreen fluid that protects the face from UVA and UVB rays with broad-spectrum protection and a powerful antioxidant complex. Clinically proven safe and effective, it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and suitable for all skin types.

  

LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen Cream is safe for use by children and adults with sun-sensitive skin. This award-winning product offers a high concentration of sunscreen cream with SPF 40 and a sun filter. Apply Anthelios 40 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after swimming, perspiring or towel drying for maximum protection.

 

EltaMD UV Facial SPF 30+ offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection with SPF 30+ and zinc oxide. It is specifically formulated to provide moisturizing UV protection for the face, either alone or under make-up. Great for all skin types, especially moderate to dry skin, and ideal for use after laser, microdermabrasion, and chemical and glycolic peels.

 

EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 UVA/UVB Sun Protection contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals to help prevent sun damage. With SPF 41, 9% zinc oxide and 7& titanium dioxide, and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, it works well on both the face and body. This lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen is good for use by children and adults with very sensitive skin.

 

EltaMD UV Shield SPF 45 combines oil-free protection in a light sheer formula that is great for all skin types, especially people with oily or acne-prone skin. EltaMD's UV Shield works well on the face alone or under makeup and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with SPF 45 and 9% zinc oxide.

  
*Photo from www.aad.org
Phone SSDP at 508.535.3376, Option 7, or email us from the Contact page on the new SSDP website to schedule a cosmetic dermatology consultation.

THE NEW LOOK IN SUNSCREEN LABELING

     

viraj

By Viraj Shroff-Mehta, MD

 

Have you purchased a bottle of sunscreen lately?

 

If you have, you've probably noticed some changes in the way your sunscreen is labeled.

 

In the past, many sunscreen labels were confusing because they contained terms like "instant protection, "sunblock," "waterproof," and "sweat proof."

 

That is no longer the case. As of December 2012, over-the-counter sunscreens are required to provide more precise and accurate information about what type of UV protection the product offers and what it can do.

 

Under the new FDA regulations, sunscreens sold without a prescription now must clearly state whether the product provides Broad Spectrum protection (meaning it protects against both Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays); whether it has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher (SSDP recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher), and whether it is Water Resistant for up to 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. Sunscreens that are not broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values between 2 and 14 will need to contain a warning that the product has been shown to "help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."

 

The shot glass approach

Once you've chosen the right brand of sunscreen for your needs, the next question is how much of it to use. If you're like a lot of people, you probably don't use enough sunscreen or apply it frequently enough. The average adult needs about one ounce of sunscreen (equivalent to one shot glassful) to adequately cover the exposed surface of his/her body. An easy way to remember this is to picture the amount of sunscreen you need in teaspoons, with one teaspoon of sunscreen providing coverage for the face, one for each arm (including the hands), two for each leg (including the feet), and two for the torso (front and back). Men who have lost their hair will need to add an additional teaspoon of sunscreen to their heads.

 

Be sure to apply sunscreen 20 - 30 minutes before going outdoors so that there is adequate time for skin absorption. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or as soon as you come out of the water or if you've been sweating heavily. Infants aged 6 months or younger, should stay shaded and avoid sun exposure at all times. Be sure to protect children older than 6 months of age with a sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and applying it 30 minutes before going outdoors.

 

Regular use of sunscreen will protect your skin against sunburn and sun damage, but it's not a substitute for prevention. That's why I advise my patients to use sunscreen in combination with these simple steps:

  1. Seek shade and avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10:00 am - 2:00 pm) 
  2. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats
  3. Avoid tanning beds.

Learn more about SSDP's high-quality sunscreens and services for the treatment of sun damage by visiting the new SSDP website at www.southshorederm.com. 

 

Visit the American Academy of Dermatology online to explore tips on choosing a sunscreen.

 

Viraj Shroff-Mehta, MD, is a Board certified dermatologist at South Shore Dermatology Physicians.  

 

Do you have a question about the information in this e-newsletter or other topics in skin health? Phone SSDP at 508.535.DERM (3376) to schedule an appointment with one of our Board certified dermatologists, or email us from the Contact page on the SSDP website.