South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center Marks the Start of Summer With Light Awareness

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ--(Marketwired - June 21, 2017) - For the board-certified Dr. Robin Levin and her team serving South Jersey's dermatology needs, summer represents a season of increased education and awareness on the part of their patients. While the official first day was June 21, South Jersey residents have enjoyed beautiful days in the 70s, 80s, and 90s since the start of May—which typically means outfits that are shorter on fabric and days that are longer on sun exposure.

Ultraviolet light from the sun (and other sources, like tanning beds) is a key player in causing skin damage, as it breaks down valuable collagen and elastin, hastening the formation of static wrinkles. Squinting on bright days can contribute to the formation of dynamic wrinkles (think crows' feet next to the eyes)—and these are just the cosmetic considerations. UV radiation can also harm various cells within the skin, with the damage potentially leading to the development of skin cancer.

Even selfies taken for a vacation memory or late-night lazy-summer binge-watching sessions on a tablet may contribute to unwanted changes, as a recent study revealed that wavelengths at the blue end of the visible spectrum—commonly emitted by screens of all kinds—can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) in certain skin types.

With all of this in mind, the South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center team members are making the following recommendations for all of their patients—and any child, woman, or man who wants to maximize both summer fun and skin beauty and health.

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunblock of 30 SPF minimum. Apply it to any and all exposed skin (including the tops of the feet, ears, and scalp) prior to any outdoor activity, and refresh the layer every couple of hours—or more, if water activity washes the protection away.

• Avoid the sun as much as possible in the late morning and afternoon. The American Skin Association reports that 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in early summer marks the window for greatest UV exposure in North America.

• Be aware of lesions on your own skin, paying particular attention to moles that have one or more of the "ABCDE" warning signs: asymmetry, border irregularities, color variations, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving characteristics. Such moles should be examined by a dermatologist, who can help to determine whether cancer is present.

• Discuss the latest research into exposure to blue light (high-intensity visible light) with a qualified dermatologist.

Talk to the South Jersey Skin Care team about products to help protect against high-energy visible light, skin cancer screenings, and more tips for a healthy summer. To schedule a consultation, call (856) 810-9888 or send a message online.