As the weather continues to warm up over these next couple of weeks and months, more and more skin will come out of hiding. It is important that it be cared for properly, especially with UV levels on the rise. While having a killer tan is attractive, it can literally turn into a killer if it turns into skin cancer, a disease that will attack one in five Americans according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Excessive exposure to UV rays can also lead to cataracts, premature wrinkles, dryness and age spots.

The best combatant to block those harmful rays is sunscreen. Although most people apply sunscreen before spending the day lounging at the beach or by the pool, in reality they should be wearing it every day. Sun rays are still dangerous on cloudy days and during the spring, winter, and fall. Snow, sand and water all increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect rays.The same rule applies for everyone, no matter their age or skin color.

There are numerous kinds of sunscreen on the market. There are the traditional lotions, creams, gels, wax sticks, and sprays. The important thing is that it has an appropriate SPF and that it works for you. The AAD recommends everyone use broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or greater and that it is water resistant. Dr. Batniji and his staff work hard to make products available to patients that have been proven to provide strong protection. We offer the following sun protection products that are available only through a physician:

  • Colorescience – A mineral powder with SPF 30 containing zinc oxide and titanium oxide. It provides broad spectrum (UVA, UVB and infrared) sun protection in a retractable brush.
  • EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 –Ideal for sensitive, oily skin. It contains zinc oxide.
  • EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 – For daily use. This formula is Ideal for normal to dry skin types. It contains hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and zinc oxide.
  • EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 – A water-resistant sunscreen that works well for swimmers, surfers, runners, and others. This formula is safe for use with children. It contains zinc oxide.

As you can see there are many varieties of sunscreen that can be tailored to your specific skin type. Contact Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery of Newport Beach, California, at 949-650-8882 for a skin analysis to determine your skin care and sun protection needs.