Dr. Daniel Shulman
As the summer sun shines upon us with its warm rays, it’s essential to pay special attention to the health of our skin. As a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon and CEO of Dermatology Partners, the Mid-Atlantic’s premier dermatology group, I can tell you that the incidence of skin cancer across the board is on the rise.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer by age 70. Sunlight is our main source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and overall health, but excessive exposure to sunlight can damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
It’s important to strike a delicate balance between absorbing beneficial UV rays and protecting your skin from potential harm.
Always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Clinical studies have not conclusively shown that daily sunscreen use leads to vitamin D deficiency. In fact, studies have shown that regular sunscreen use can help maintain vitamin D levels. Depending on the strength of the sunscreen, 2-7% of the sun’s UVB rays reach the skin, giving your body an opportunity to produce vitamin D.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm. Try to avoid the sun during these times. To use sunscreen properly, use one with an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a rating based on the ability of a sunscreen to protect your skin from UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. An SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of UVB rays, preventing your body from exposing you to Vitamin D.
Choose a facial moisturizer that has sun protection
Even on cloudy days, you can be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, and I always recommend choosing a daily facial moisturizer with at least SPF 30. This can be applied to the face and neck, two areas most susceptible to skin cancer.
Another benefit of having SPF in your face moisturizer is that it helps prevent collagen breakdown. It’s common for skin to start showing the undesirable effects of sun exposure in your 30s. Being proactive can help minimize further damage caused by aging. You’ll also get some Vitamin D from the few UVB rays that aren’t blocked by sunscreen.
Other ways to support your vitamin D levels
There are plenty of healthy foods that can help maintain your vitamin D levels. Including oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna in your diet, as well as foods like egg yolks, yogurt, cheese, orange juice and milk are great options.
Vitamin supplements are also a good alternative; if you want to incorporate this into your daily routine, talk to your doctor about the best dosage for you. With these additional ways for your body to get vitamin D, you don’t have to sacrifice skin health to maintain your vitamin D levels.
Practicing sun protection, coupled with keeping an eye on your Vitamin D intake, can help you reap the benefits of sunlight without compromising your skin’s health. Sun protection isn’t just a summertime concern, it’s a year-round approach. Even on overcast or cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and cause skin damage. So, no matter the season or weather forecast, make sun protection a priority as part of your daily skin care routine.
As a preventative measure, we recommend that you see a dermatologist for a full body exam once a year, or more frequently if you are at high risk for skin cancer.
Dermatology Partners has 33 convenient locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. To schedule an appointment today, call 888-818-3376 or book online at www.dermpartners.com/patients/book-online .
