Don't pack away the sunblock with your swimsuit and other summer accessories. Winter's sun is just as dangerous as summer's, says Adam J. Scheiner, M.D., www.adamscheinermd.com, an eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon who's been featured on the Dr. Oz Show, The Howard Stern Show, and The Doctors.
"The snow reflects the glare of the sun - and the damaging UV rays", he says. "People who like skiing and snowboarding in the mountains are getting 4 to 5 percent more UV damage for every 1,000 feet they ascend above sea level."
And then there are all those holiday cruises and escapes to warm-weather climates where beaches are packed year-round.
No matter how comfortable or cool the temperature feels, don't be fooled! "Every year thousands of people die from melanoma. That's preventable", Dr. Scheiner says. "If skin cancer doesn't scare you, think with your vanity. Sun exposure is the No.1 cause of #wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and festoons, among other disfiguring problems".
Dr. Scheiner shares tips for preventing, minimizing, and repairing sun damage:
PREVENTION
You're not just exposed when you're skiing, hiking, or taking a beach vacation.
Simply driving a car can result in serious sun damage. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found more skin cancers on the left side of patients' faces - the side exposed while driving - then on the right. Scheiner says he's seen truckers and others who spend years on the road with severe wrinkling on the left side of the face.
"Always wear sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UAB rays. I recommend a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, preferably higher", he says. "You can also protect yourself from UVA rays, which cause deeper damage, by applying UV-protective film to your car windows. Also, wear clothes with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of at least 30."
MINIMIZING
Good #nutrition and topical products can help minimize signs of damage, such as wrinkles and age spots, Dr. Scheiner says.
Eat foods rich in #antioxidants - carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables; spinach and other green leafy vegetables; tomatoes; #blueberries; peas and beans; fatty fish, and nuts. An American Society for Clinical Nutrition study found that women ages 40 to 75 who consumed more vitamin C, an antioxidant, had fewer wrinkles.
Use exfoliate creams to remove dead skin cells. Prescription creams including Avita, #Avage, Renova, and Retin-A have been shown to reduce wrinkles and age spots caused by sun exposure.
The No. 1 best thing you can do for your skin starting today is to start making the application of a broad spectrum, UAB/UVA sunscreen part of your daily routine.
"Apply it to all areas of the skin that can be directly exposed to the sun", he says. "The best scenario is preventing sun damage in the first place".
Locally, if you have questions, be sure to visit with a dermatologist like Dr. Marcy Street of Drs. Approach Dermatology and Skin Care.