Skin Care

Controversies in Sunscreens

Controversies in Sunscreens

Vitamin D So it turns out that UVB converts vitamin D to its active form in the skin. Completely blocking UVB with sunscreen, then, will reduce your activated vitamin D, resulting in reduced calcium absorption and weakening bones. Fortunately, most of us are not slathering on the stuff, so we probably don’t need to...

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When Do I Need Sunscreen?

When Do I Need Sunscreen?

If you choose to wear sunscreen, it’s especially helpful when used prior to exposure to ultraviolet light at its highest intensity (between 10 AM and 2 PM).  If your goal is to prevent photo-aging, we usually recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning before leaving the house.  And again, it’s important to apply more...

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Who Needs Sunscreen?

Who Needs Sunscreen?

Anyone who finds themself on the following list would likely benefit from wearing sunscreen: Those who sunburn (the faster it takes to burn, the more the benefit) Those who work outdoors Those who would like to maintain youthful skin, free of wrinkles and uneven pigment Those who would like to avoid developing a skin...

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What Is Sunscreen?

What Is Sunscreen?

Everyone has heard of SPF, or sun protection factor.  It’s been around for years and is formulated into number of products, but mostly into sunscreens.  Simply, SPF is a measure of what higher dose of ultraviolet B you can tolerate before you burn once applied.  There are three important points here.  First, it only...

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Why Do You Need Sunscreen?

Why Do You Need Sunscreen?

Let’s start with the sun. As you may be aware, it emits visible light (which helps us see) and infrared radiation (which warms our bodies and planet). It also emits ultraviolet radiation in three forms, conveniently named ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Thanks to our atmosphere blocking virtually all...

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What is a Skin Check?

What is a Skin Check?

One of the most common reasons people visit a Dermatologist is for a Full Body Skin Examination, or a “Skin Check.”. A skin check is a chance for the dermatologist to assess your risk factors for developing skin cancer; address any lesions that might concern you; and examine your entire skin, from head to...

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Stubborn Brown Spots

Stubborn Brown Spots

Do you have stubborn brown spots, sun damaged skin or redness? Want to do something about it, but don’t want to have to come back for multiple treatments and not have to worry about a lot of downtime? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you could be a great candidate...

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What should I be doing to take care of my skin?

What should I be doing to take care of my skin?

As a dermatologist, what is the inevitable question that I get asked at every family gathering, girls night out or social function: “So what should I be doing to take care of my skin?”  I understand why women and men ask that question. If I had free access to physicians in other fields, I...

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