Get Sun-Kissed, Not Sunburned

Image Gallery Saint Louis University dermatologist DeeAnna Glaser, M.D., says a healthy glow isn't impossible to achieve.   Click image to view fullsize   Image 1 of 1

Newswise — Saint Louis University Dermatologist Offers Advice, Picks for Hot New Sunless Tanners

Hot, humid and hazy. Yes, it’s summer again, and time for the sun to wreak havoc on your skin.

Not so fast, says dermatologist DeeAnna Glaser, M.D., professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. There are some simple guidelines to keep in mind before heading out to the ballpark, the pool and even the grocery store this summer.

Everyone is at Risk for a Bad Sunburn
“Although fair-skinned people are far more likely to get a sunburn, even people with darker skin can burn and get skin cancer,” Glaser says. “Young skin is also more susceptible to sunburn, and much of our skin’s sun damage occurs during our childhood and teenage years, so parents should put forth every effort to protect their kids from the sun.”

Not only are sunburns the “number-one cause” of wrinkles and aged-appearing skin, says Glaser, but they also increase one’s chances for skin cancer dramatically.

Not all Sunscreens are Created Equal
“Protect your skin by applying lots of sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours and after swimming,” she says. “The sun’s rays are reflected by water, sand and sidewalk, so even if you’re in the shade, you should still apply it.”

Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is necessary. Look for bottles – and sunglasses – with both UVA and UVB protection; UVA rays penetrate through window glass, says Glaser, and although they don’t cause sunburn, they penetrate deeper into the skin and can lead to skin cancer, melanoma, wrinkles and skin discoloration.

Sunscreen has improved greatly over the years, Glaser says.

“I think it’s great to be able to incorporate sunscreen into other products that you are already using, like moisturizers and makeup,” Glaser says. “There are also many different formulations today for sunscreens like gels, sprays and quick-absorbing creams to avoid that ‘greasy’ feeling of normal sunscreens.”

Glaser notes that many of her male patients opt for gel-based sunscreens, and she recommends a “physical sunblock” that contains zinc oxide (such as Vanicream and Blue Lizard) rather than a chemical sunscreen because it gives broad-spectrum sun protection and is less irritating than traditional sunblock.

Dress to Protect
In addition to sunscreen, Glaser also advises that people wear wide-brimmed hats when outside – “at least four inches all the way around. Baseball caps don’t count!” she says.

The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Glaser suggests during that time wearing solid clothing, and, while they may not be entirely comfortable in the middle of July, darker-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Go Ahead – Fake It
“Many of the tan Hollywood stars that you see on TV are in movies now and actually tan from self-tanners and airbrushed tans,” Glaser says.

Glaser points out the new Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, which comes in varieties for both the face and the body.

“It’s more forgiving and adds color to the skin gradually after several applications,” she explains. “In general, self-tanners work by coloring the surface layer of the skin and last for about two weeks – until the skin cells naturally shed.”

Spray-on tans, such as Mystic Tan, have become increasingly popular among men and women, especially before special events, the dermatologist says.

Dr. Glaser also recommends bronzers, which are applied like makeup to places the sun would normally hit, like the cheeks, forehead and the nose.

Saint Louis University Medical Center offers the widest range of health professions schools among U.S. Catholic medical centers. In addition to having the first School of Medicine west of the Mississippi River, the Saint Louis University Medical Center includes the Doisy School of Health Sciences, the Center for Advanced Dental Education, the School of Public Health and the Center for Health Care Ethics.