SPF: It’s Not Just for Summer
Courtney Carter
/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2024

SPF: It’s Not Just for Summer

If you equate sunscreen with summer and tuck it away once the weather turns cool, you may need to rethink your strategy.

While it’s true that UVB rays are strongest in the summer, they can cause sunburn and lead to damage any season of the year. Winter is of particular concern in our region as snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, meaning you’re getting nearly a double dose of damaging rays on sunny days. Without proper protection, all that exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer and joining the ranks of the estimated 9,500 Americans diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Tragically, one person dies of melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer— every hour, every day. 

To reduce your risk in winter and beyond, keep these facts in tip in mind:

Elevation matters

Snowsport lovers have a higher chance of skin damage during the winter months as UV levels rise 4-5% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level gained.

Every day is a sunscreen day

Regardless of the temperature or cloud cover, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin should be a part of your daily routine. For best results, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors.

The lips don’t lie

With very little melanin, the pigment that helps protect against sunburn, the lips are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body and the most prone to painful sunburn. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher when venturing out in any season. Be sure to reapply frequently, especially if eating, drinking, or swimming.

Measure once, apply twice (at least)

Sunscreen only works if you apply the correct amount and repeat application for extended stays outside. For your face, ears and neck, use approximately ⅓ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon of sunscreen. For the full body, bump the amount up to 1 to 2 ounces (enough to fill a shot glass). Be sure to re-apply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.

You missed a spot

Parts of the body commonly missed when applying sunscreen include:

  • Tops of the ears

  • Back of the hands

  • Tops of the feet

  • Lips

  • Sides of the neck

  • Behind the knees

  • Eyelids

  • Scalp

  • Upper chest.

 

Lixia Ellis, MD, PhD is a dermatologist at SVMC Dermatology.

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Why Dental Hygiene is More Important than Ever

You may have heard that COVID-19 has inspired physicians to offer online appointments. For many health concerns, you can meet with your physician using your phone or computer and get care that is very similar to what you would have received in the office.

Regular dental check-ups and treatments, though, certainly cannot be done remotely. And the masks patients wear to prevent passing germs in other in-person medical visits cannot be worn during a dental appointment. These factors make it difficult to deliver safe dental care during this time. In fact, most dentists' offices have been closed for much of the pandemic. They will likely remain closed until we determine how to provide care safely.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums at home contributes to good oral health and good general health, too. A strong oral-health routine can help lessen the need for extensive dental care and some other types of care in the future. For all of these reasons, your at-home dental care routine is more important than ever.

Brush Twice You've likely heard the same message since grade school: brush at least twice a day. Not much, including even a pandemic, will change that. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste, and aim to spend about 2 minutes to clean your whole mouth.

Doing so decreases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and limits the formation of plaque. Bacteria and plaque can build up and cause painful cavities. Skipping brushing can also lead to gum disease.

Clean Between Teeth Daily Whether you use floss, an interdental brush, an oral irrigator, or a toothpick, you should clean between your teeth every day. What method is best? Just like exercise, the best method is the one that you will consistently do.

Follow a Healthy Diet As if you needed another reason to avoid sugary beverages and snacks! The link between sugar intake and cavities is very well established. And treatments for cavities are among the most common that dentists perform. Avoiding sugar will improve your oral health and will likely make a positive impact on your overall health, as well.

These tips represent general recommendations that would be appropriate for most patients. Your dentist might have additional recommendations for you, including mouth rinses or other specific steps you can take to maintain your dental health during COVID-19 and beyond.

If you have questions, give your dentist’s office a call. Even if they are not right in the office, they will likely provide a way for you to reach out to get your questions answered.

Michael Brady, DDS, is the medical director of SVMC Dentistry.

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