I’ve been focusing on sunscreen because it’s Skin Care Awareness month. Another factor to consider before you go out in the sun is that certain very common medicines and skin care products can increase your sensitivity to the sun and heighten your reaction to the sun. Prescription drugs, such as antibiotics or Accutane, over-the-counter pain relievers, herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort,  perfumes, exfoliating skin care products, and even some sunscreens can increase sensitivity to the sun. Pain aside, a bad sunburn or excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. My SPF-40 Lotion Mist Sunblock is formulated to block UVA/UVB rays and is PABA-free with soothing aloe to reduce inflammation and is safe for children to use. Like all of our products, it is allergy-tested and fragrance free.

Wall Street Journal illustration

An article in the Wall Street Journal today discusses why we are still drawn to the sun even though the evidence of the harmful effects of sun exposure has been well known for many years. Research showing the value of Vitamin D is often used to dismiss the dangers of UV rays, but as the article points out, there are other sources of Vitamin D, and any benefits, such as fighting depression, are not tradeoffs when weighed against skin cancer.

Sunbathing is never ok.  You just can’t do it.  Still, there are people who like a little color in their skin.  Self-tanning is the only safe method for achieving a dark,deep skin tone. Remember, the fountain of youth is neither exclusive nor difficult to find; it is sitting on  your shelf.  Sun exposure, unlike  your genetic code, is controllable.   Make sure you always have sunglasses, a hat and sunblock when you go out. I always tell my patients that the only safe tan is from a bottle. Use an SPF product every day for protection and use bronzer when you want a sun-kissed glow. For best results, use AHA Body Smoothing Cream to exfoliate your skin so that the bronzer can be applied evenly (be careful not to use AHA if you are going to be out in the sun a lot.) And use Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 or my SPF-40 Lotion Mist Sunblock when you are out in the sun.  See our special offer: all SPF products are Buy One, Get One Free through May 9.