Take Care of Your Skin This Summer

You probably don’t think about your skin too much, but it really is incredible. It puts up with a lot and asks for so little in return. Eventually, pollution, stress, wind, and especially sun can take its toll, and can really start to affect how skin looks as we age. One way to keep skin looking young is to take good care of it – but taking care of your skin is important not just for your looks but for your health as well.

Protect it from the sun

It is always a good idea to protect your skin from the sun, but this is even more important during the summer months, when the sun is especially harsh. Getting out in the sunshine is important for our mental and overall health (plus it’s just fun!), but too much unprotected time in the sun can be a bad thing.

Aim to stay inside from 10 am until 4 pm, the hours when the sun is at its strongest. When you do go outside (no matter the time of day and even if it’s cloudy), make sure to slather on the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and make sure that you reapply it often if you stay outside for long. You should still cover up, even if you are wearing sunscreen, though. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeve shirt, and pants. And don’t forget your eyes – wear sunglasses that block UV rays.

You may be tempted to sit outside to get a great tan, but when you tan you may be doing permanent damage to your skin. Sunbathe for no more than 20 minutes per day.

Take care of your skin so that it can take good care of you. If you notice anything on your skin that just doesn’t look right, such as a change in how a mole looks or a painful, bleeding, or tender growth, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Call the office of Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC Plastic and Dermatologic Surgery in Calgary for help keeping your skin healthy. Call (403) 571-3141 today!