Here in the Tampa area, we are lucky to live in such an amazing climate with so many great outdoor attractions to explore—but if you’re not careful, our enticing weather and outdoor amenities can be a double-edged sword. The hot Florida sun can do serious damage to your skin, and it’s not just the summer months here in the Sunshine State that you have to watch out for, protecting your skin year-round is essential to keeping your healthy, youthful, and cancer-free later in life.
Let Dr. Castor and his skilled team help guide you on the path to healthy skin.
Know the Risks
The first step to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is knowing just what you’re up against—and what you’re up against is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These damaging rays are responsible for nearly all cases of skin cancer. Did you know that one out of every five Americans will develop it over their lifetime? That’s right, a staggering 9,500 people are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer each day. Even worse, it is estimated that there will be 91,270 new cases of melanoma in the United States in 2018. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and will be responsible for over 9,000 deaths just this year.
Don’t Skimp on the Sunscreen
If you’re going to be spending any amount of time in the sun this summer, it’s extremely important that you make sure to always have sun protection with you. A broad-spectrum lotion with an SPF of at least 15 is an essential part of anyone’s skin-saving toolkit. For longer periods of outside activity, use a lotion that boasts an SPF of 30 or higher for enhanced protection. Be sure to reapply every two hours for maximum safety, especially if you plan on getting wet. Don’t forget the kids! It only takes one severe sunburn during childhood to double your little one’s risks of developing deadly melanoma somewhere down the road.
Cover It Up
While sunscreen is a must for those carefree days spent frolicking in the sun, the absolute best way to keep your skin defended from dangerous UV radiation is clothing. Putting a layer of fabric between you and the sun’s rays is the safest and most effective way to stay protected. That means long sleeves and pants whenever possible, close-toed shoes instead of flip-flops, and a wide-brimmed hat for your scalp, face, ears, and neck. Of course, bundling up when it’s hot outside isn’t always appropriate but being prepared with some light layers can keep you free from unnecessary skin issues in the long run.
Treating Skin Issues
If you do think that you may have skin cancer, please see a medical expert immediately. When caught early on, skin cancer is a very treatable condition. If it’s years of built-up sun damage that are starting to show up, Dr. Castor offers a number of ways to rejuvenate and refresh your skin. You can erase those unsightly blemishes and discolorations to reveal glowing, healthy skin underneath with laser treatments like Photorejuvenation or fractional resurfacing, or a microdermabrasion session.
