Summer is starting to arrive in Missouri, with sunny, hot and often humid days on the way, and a University of Missouri Public Health Physician offers tips to keep your skin safe as the temperatures rise.
Kerry Martin, MU Health Care dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology and child health, says that in addition to sunscreen, it also treats skin irritations (like insect bites) and other plant-related skin problems like poison ivy.
There is a lot of good data on sun exposure, skin and skin cancer, but the myth of skin protection, according to Martin, is that your skin and vitamin D production is year-to-year.
"Some people say I need a base tan before a trip, or 'If I tan, I won't burn,'" Martin said. "Acne is also a sign of skin damage that can increase the risk of skin cancer in the long term."
While this helps a person's skin absorb provitamin D and convert it into vitamin D, the process is limited and requires 5 to 15 minutes of exposure depending on skin tone.
"We really have to get vitamin D from food or supplements," Martin said.
As temperatures rise during the summer months, overheating is possible. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and other heat- and sun-related problems can include thirst, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and more, she says.
Sunscreen is the last defense, not the first
Sunscreen is the last line of defense or the fourth layer of sun protection.
"If you can schedule an activity like gardening or yard work, do it on the day or the last day and avoid daylight hours between 10am and 2pm," advises Martin. “So find any shade you can, or take your umbrella with you to create your own shade. The third way is to apply sunscreen. It is very important. There are a lot of good products."
The rule of thumb when using sunscreen is to use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. He says it depends on how much a person sweats or swims and when they get in and out of the pool. Martin said setting a timer to remind you to reapply.
According to Martin, there are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical.
Mineral-based sunscreens are best for people with sensitive skin, such as eczema or psoriasis, but their composition can leave skin white. They're also easy to wash off, like when you dry off after a swim, because the mineral-based sunscreen is deposited on your skin, says Martin.
Chemical sunscreens usually come as lotions or sprays rather than mineral sunscreens, he says. Chemical sunscreens bond to your skin, absorbing the sun's energy and releasing it in a way that doesn't damage your skin, he says.
“UV markers, such as stickers, wristbands or some sunscreen bottles, have UV technology that changes color. They are initially clear or white and change color when exposed to high levels of ultraviolet light.
"It's a good visual reminder, it's time to order again."
Create the first experiences
Martin said one way to help teens take care of their summer skin is to help parents or caregivers establish skin care habits early. According to him, this helps to send children to summer camps and other situations where they are not cared for by their parents, but by other people.
"Teaching kids about this morning and understanding their skin and the sun is really important," she said, adding that fair-skinned children need extra protection. "They can defend themselves if not with their parents."
According to Martin, camps and daycares often have forms asking for skin problems or wanting to help camp or daycare staff. For skeptical parents, you can check your doctor's notes to make sure they're following skin safety instructions.
causes summer eruptions
Most summer rashes are caused by insect bites, such as baby chicks, or by plants that cause contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak.
“Children are especially covered in bites and stings… They may have a fever or a rash where the body sleeps easily. They don't last for days, but they can be itchy and uncomfortable.'
For those prone to bitter heat, Martin recommends keeping cool whenever possible, such as fanning your wife personally, cooling wet fabrics, or taking antihistamines like pollen, not only for bitter heat, but also for allergies.
"When the skin is moist and air is flowing through it, it helps cool the body," he said.
Eczema is sensitive to heat and can flare up in hot weather, so Martin recommends finding ways to stay cool. Psoriasis does not depend on heat.
"Every skin condition is different, so I recommend asking your doctor what is the best advice for your skin type for the skin condition you're dealing with," Martin said.
Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general topics for the Tribune. He can be reached at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Sign up to support critical local journalism.
This article first appeared in the Columbia Daily Tribune: MU Health Care dermatologists offer summer skin care tips.