July is National UV Safety Month: Preventing Sun Damage in Connecticut

In honor of National UV Safety Month, we thought we’d reiterate the importance of sun safety. Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays is about more than preventing signs of aging and keeping the complexion looking good, though it’s important to note that over 90% of facial aging is caused by sun exposure.

Wearing sunscreen and staying out of direct sunlight are important precautions against skin cancer, specifically melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. A recent UK study discovered that rates of melanoma have more than quadrupled since the 1980s. That’s one scary statistic! Amazingly, however, many Americans still don’t incorporate sunscreen into their daily routine.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30 in cooler months, and SPF50 in the summer or while participating in outdoor activities. In order to select the right type of sunscreen, its crucial to know what it is you’re protecting yourself from.

A  broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA & UVB rays. Not quite sure what the difference is exactly? UVA rays are constantly present; the weather or time of year doesn’t matter. In fact, UVA rays can even pass through window glass. While UVA rays are responsible for much of the skin’s aging, they aren’t a major cause of common skin cancers. UVB rays, on the other hand, are the type that causes sunburn and are a significant risk factor for common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma.

A good sunscreen, as previously mentioned, protects against both. Our staff can recommend the right type for you from our physician-grade line of products.

To learn more, call (203) 453-8625

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about Preventing Sun Damage, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Langdon Center in Guilford, CT. Call us at (203) 453-8625 or fill out our convenient online contact form.