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Skin Routine Post-Treatment: Do’s and Don’ts

Skin Routine Post-Treatment: Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to skin procedures, the aftercare is as important as the treatment itself. Do you plan on undergoing laser treatment, microdermabrasion or even a facial peel anytime soon? Be sure to continue reading to understand the do’s and don’ts of a post-treatment skincare routine.

Don’t Overload Your Skin

Treatments and procedures are an exciting way to let your best face shine, but be cautious when taking care of your skin post-treatment. Avoid harsh chemicals, peels, waxes, or other laser treatments at least two weeks after your appointment. Avoiding these will allow your skin to heal and return its hardy barrier to its natural state. Your skin will be more inflamed and irritated than usual, so make sure to stick to the basics of washing, moisturizing, and leaving your skin alone.

Don’t Congest Your Skin

Once the skin is clear of dead cells, toxins, hair, or any additional skin condition the treatment is targeting, it’s time to give the skin a break. It is recommended to avoid makeup or any topical creams on the treated area. Applying these substances clogs the pores of the affected area, causing further irritation and damage to the skin. If necessary, apply makeup or creams in small amounts to see if irritation does occur.

Do Avoid Sun Exposure and Excess Heat

Post-treatment, the skin’s protective barrier is weakened. Since the protective barrier isn’t as strong, it leaves the skin more vulnerable and inclined to damage. After your procedure, it is crucial to stay out of the sun for at least seven days post-treatment. Direct exposure to the sun is detrimental to the skin due to the harsh effects of UV rays, which will slow down the healing process. This is due to the excess skin sensitivity from a treatment that leaves you more inflamed and irritated than usual. The vulnerability of the skin post-treatment calls for cold temperatures and reduced exposure to heat. Avoid excess heat from hot showers, tubs, heating pads, or saunas. A surplus of heat causes the pores to open up, which could cause further irritation and discomfort.

Do Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is always a good idea, but it is imperative when you’ve just undergone a skin treatment. Recently, treated skin, such as laser removal and microdermabrasion, makes the skin extremely vulnerable and prone to damage. The sun and its damaging effects require you to stack up on the SPF. Even if exposed for a short amount of time, it is vital to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Wearing sunscreen will ensure that your skin will stay protected, even in the harshest of conditions. It’s important to remember that being in the sun for a short amount of time still does some damage. With that said, don’t forget to layer up on the SPF and reapply every so often!

Do Know What You’re Getting Into

Facial treatments have an immense impact on the skin, so it is essential to know everything about the procedure in which you’re undergoing. If you want to address skin issues, such as wrinkles or acne, you should highly consider visiting a dermatologist’s office rather than a spa. Spas, unlike a skin professional’s office, focus on short-term improvements and the idea of pampering their clients. On the other hand, dermatologists have the power to go beyond skin treatments and evaluate their clients on a deeper and more effective level. They also go beyond cosmetic issues and look at your skin for signs of more severe problems such as skin cancer, which could end up saving your life.

Whatever treatment you plan to undergo, the experts at Knoxville Dermatology Group are skilled professionals who can provide various skin treatments, procedures, and consultations.

3 Must-Have Products for Protecting Sun-Kissed Skin

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Are you ready to embrace your sun-kissed skin this summer? The sun’s UV rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to protect the body’s largest organ before stepping out to the beach. Although sun-kissed skin gives us the appearance we desire, many don’t realize the impact it has on our skin’s health. In fact, in a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 60 percent of men and 54 percent of women think that tan skin means healthy skin. However, when the sun darkens your pigment, it’s actually damaging healthy cells in the process. To achieve the sun-kissed look we all want, be sure to use these three must-have products to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen

We know you’re using sunscreen when you lie out to tan but are you using the one that’s right for your skin? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, so it’s important to choose a product that will be the healthiest and safest for you.

To make sure your skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen you use must be broad-spectrum, water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. Use your product on your body as you spend time outside, even if you don’t think you’re receiving UV rays. Even on cloudy or rainy days, 40 percent of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface.

For the best protection and natural aging, we recommend working a facial sun protectant into your morning routine. By adding this step, that takes just a few seconds, your skin will thank you down the line. It’s necessary to choose a different product for your face than the body. Facial sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants to keep your pores clear and skin moisturized, all while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

Lip Protectant

Pucker up! Use a lip protectant to keep your lips hydrated and kissable this summer. Nearly 70 percent of people who use sunscreen while at the beach will forget to apply some protection to their lips. What’s the fuss? Our lips do not have melanin or sebaceous glands in them, meaning they are more susceptible to sun damage and dehydration.

One of the easiest ways to keep our lips hydrated is by drinking water. However, without exfoliation, the skin on our lips will promote dry skin and cause them to crack. Use a lip scrub and soft toothbrush to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Follow the exfoliation with a lip balm containing an SPF of at least 30 to provide back up protection and hydration. Refrain from exfoliating too often or too forcefully because this will leave the lips red and raw.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a common practice at the end of winter, to shed the skin of any and all dead cells that accumulated throughout the cold season. However, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin as we start to soak up the sun in the warmer months. Exfoliation increases blood circulation, which is the main factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week with a body scrub that contains grainy particles, usually of sugar or salt. By exfoliating dead or dying skin cells before tanning, you’re allowing the healthiest cells to receive sun. Doing this will help your tan last longer and remain even.

The dermatologists and medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of experience of providing safe sun tips, recommending products and checking for signs of skin cancer.

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

 

The fresh green of spring is symbolic of nature, growth, freshness, and fertility. Winter can have a drying effect on the skin, so spring offers a renewed opportunity to get your skin, spring-ready and back in top condition. From exfoliation to properly caring for your skin in the spring sun, here are a few tips that will lead to dew-kissed, glowing skin.

Exfoliation

Shedding winter layers also applies to the skin. Prepare your skin to look and feel its best by sloughing off the dead, clogged skin cells that have accumulated throughout the winter. Exfoliation aids in boosting the circulation of the skin. This circulation stimulates the skin and produces new skin cells, which gives the skin that radiant, beaming look.

A physical exfoliant is a body scrub or product that contains grainy particles, usually sugar or salt, providing the scrubbing feeling when used. A chemical exfoliator is the milder of the two and recommended for sensitive skin. Consult with your dermatologist to determine which is the best type for you and your skin. A dermatologist is uniquely qualified to craft a personalized skin care regimen that will yield the best possible results.

Exfoliation is one of the oldest beauty practices and has been embraced by many cultures with their own unique traditions. The Chinese would rub ground pearls across their skin to rid it of dead cells with hopes of developing an illuminating glow. A traditional Scandinavian method involved vigorously scrubbing naked bodies with cedar branches in the snow before finding refuge in hot saunas.

Although those traditional methods served their purpose at the time, less expensive (and less-rustic) practices are now the norm. Here are some things to keep in mind when exfoliating:

  • Consider your skin type. Everyone’s skin is different; thus, everyone must consider the products and methods that will be safest and the most beneficial for their specific skin type. Those with sensitive skin may want to use a soft washcloth and mild chemical exfoliator; while those with oily, thicker skin, should consider a stronger, mechanical product.
  • Review the products you already use. Certain products or medications in your daily routine may cause your skin to be more sensitive and prone to peeling. Research what you already use and consult with your dermatologist about any over-the-counter products you are using.
  • Be gentle. Gently apply products to your skin using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, before rinsing with lukewarm water. Avoid any open wounds, sunburns, bug bites or acne breakouts as it could lead to scaring.
  • Moisturize: Exfoliation has a drying effect on the skin, so be sure to immediately apply a moisturizing product to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Interested in more in-depth tips, specific to your skin care needs? Click to request a complimentary skin care analysis

Hydration

It is imperative to stay hydrated for overall health reasons, but especially for your skin. After exfoliation, take extra steps to keep your skin hydrated so it will stay supple and smooth. Moisturize when you get out of the shower and before bed. Swap the heavier, moisturizing cream you’ve been using all winter for a lighter, hydrating product to create spring-ready skin.

Don’t forget to drink water. The more water you drink, the more your skin will love you and reward you with a youthful, brighter glow. As the temperatures rise, you’ll likely be sweating and spending more time in the sun. The amount of water you are supposed to drink in a day depends on your overall weight and daily physical activity, but a few extra cups a day will help as you adjust to the heat.

Sun Protection

Did we mention the sun? As the layers fall off with the warming weather, you’ll naturally want to expose more skin. It is imperative to wear sunscreen every day to best protect the skin. At the end of winter, your skin will be at its palest and most vulnerable state. This is when your skin will burn the easiest resulting in the most damage. Applying a product with at least an SPF of 30 will reintroduce your skin to the UV rays and absorb them at a healthy rate.

By making this part of your daily routine you’ll be thankful in the long run. Your spring-ready skin will age the healthiest it can, without sun damage or spots, and your risk for skin cancer will be drastically reduced.

Want to learn more about how you can get your skin ready for spring? The staff at Anne Arundel Dermatology have years of experience in recommending medical grade skin care products that deliver the best results. Visit us online or make an appointment today by giving us a call at (443) 351-3376.

It’s time to spring clean your skin routine!

Spring has finally sprung! Get your spring skin care routine down pact with these helpful hints.

Declutter

Out with the old products, in with the new products! Clean up your skin care routine this spring and throw away any old products you haven’t used recently. Chances are, you aren’t going to be using them anytime soon and could use the counter space. Also, chances are if it hasn’t been used in over a year it’s expired. 

Make the Switch

Give your skin a break and use a lighter, water-based moisturizer. During the winter, you combatted dry, flakey skin with hydration and moisturize and now it’s time to let your skin breathe. Use something less emollient and oil-free to keep breakouts at bay.

Sunscreen

Chances are, the first time you see the sun this spring you’re going to want to break out that bathing suit and try to build your base tan. Resist the urge and lather up with SPF instead. The skin isn’t used to how strong the sun is in the springtime, so it is more prone to getting sunburn. Apply SPF 30 or greater every two hours for best sun protection.

Add Vitamin C

Springtime tends to make skin more red, itchy and irritated. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is scientifically proven to help reverse the signs of photoaging and help stimulate new collagen growth and help with skin irritation and sensitivity.

Remember, for every $250 you spend on products this April, you’ll receive One (1) entry to win a package of Four (4) HydraFacial treatments!  Visit our blog for full details.

Spring Break Prep: What You Need To Know

Spring Break is just around the corner. The kids have been stirring in their desks since the holidays, while our legs haven’t seen the light of day since last fall. We’re ready for the warmth of the sun and beach, but we mustn’t forget the risks that come with too much sun exposure and the importance of wearing sunscreen. Be conscious this Spring Break and protect your skin by following these guidelines:

The First Tan of the Year

No one wants to be the same color as the sand when they step onto the beach. The first time you attempt to get some color in the year is the most crucial since your skin is at its’ most vulnerable point. Regularly apply a high SPF sunscreen, and don’t be afraid to take a break in the shade when you start to notice your skin turning pink. Many consider getting a base tan before leaving for vacation; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean your skin will be better adapted to the sun.

A tan indicates that the skin has already produced some melanin, which helps filter future rays from the sun. That’s why pale skin burns easier than a darker skin tone. While a base tan may help your skin not burn as badly on your first day at the beach, many turn to tanning beds to help achieve the foundation. Don’t be tempted. One use of a tanning bed increases your chance of developing melanoma by 75 percent. Although you may head down to the beach with a nicer glow than most, you’ll have a higher risk of skin cancer when you return. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

Know the Products

Everyone’s skin is different; so, it’s important to do your research on the sun protection products you’re considering before you buy. Sunscreen is typically sold in the forms of lotions, sticks, and sprays. Make sure your purchase is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. While lotions are recommended due to their full-coverage, sticks and sprays tend to be more convenient.

People with sensitive skin should use a physical sunscreen, which works like a shield to deflect the sun’s rays off the surface of the skin. While chemical sunscreens don’t leave the white residue that’s common during application, physical products are easier and healthier for the skin to absorb.

Know the Risk

We all know there are risks that come with sun tanning so it’s imperative to remind ourselves of those risks as we get ready to spend the following months in the sun. A sunburn, also referred to as erythema, is the most obvious sign of UV exposure and skin damage. Damaged DNA in skin cells cause the skin to produce abnormal growths, which often results in skin cancer.

Besides the risk of skin cancer, tanning also affects the skin on a physical level. Unprotected UV exposure results in “photoaging,” known as premature aging. The UV rays will break down the collagen and elastic fibers of the skin, causing wrinkles, dark spots, and leathery skin. The process of peeling is the skin healing itself by removing damaged cells. It’s important to allow your skin to heal and generate new cells.

Check Yourself

Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know existed. It can be difficult to determine if these spots are healthy growths or a sign for something more ominous. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends visiting your dermatologist at least once a year and giving yourself frequent skin checks to monitor for anything abnormal. When checking a mole for abnormalities, it’s important to remember your ABCs:

  • Asymmetry: The first warning sign for skin cancer to be aware of is the symmetry of the mole. Your mole should be relatively symmetrical; so, if you draw a line through the middle of the spot and it doesn’t evenly match, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
  • Border: A normal mole or “beauty mark” will have a natural and clear border. A spot with a blurry or jagged edge is a sign for concern.
  • Color: A typical mole should be a solid, brown pigment with no color variation. Spots with multiple colors, especially dark purple or black could indicate that it’s a cancerous growth.
  • Diameter: A normal mole or freckle is around a quarter of an inch in diameter, or the size of a pencil eraser. Anything larger than that should be checked out by a doctor immediately. Even if the spot doesn’t raise any other red flags, something that appears quickly and of a large size is extremely concerning.
  • Elevation: A normal mole should have a smooth texture and be flat or slightly raised. All spots on your body should be relatively similar in texture, color, and height.

If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen this Spring Break!

Springtime means Spring Break! No matter where you are (or aren’t) going, remember to use sunscreen. 90% of the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds – meaning you could still get a sunburn when the sun is hiding. Here are some tips to help protect you this Spring Break:

  1. Look for an SPF 30 or greater, water-resistant sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum coverage.
  2. Re-apply every 80 minutes.
  3. Check to make sure your sunscreen isn’t expired. Toss it if it is over a year old – your sunscreen starts to become less effective at blocking damaging UV rays.
  4. Always apply SPF 30 minutes before going outside. It takes time to absorb into your skin.
  5. With that, make sure to use at least 1oz of sunscreen. The less you apply, the less protection you have.
  6. Commonly missed places are the tops of the feet, ears, scalp, and lips. These areas are often skipped over and therefore at a higher risk of skin cancer.
  7. Use a sunscreen that is specifically designed for the face.
  8. Limit sun exposure from 10 am – 2 pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest.
  9. Increase your sun protection by wearing sunglasses, a hat, and proper protective clothing.
  10. Educate yourself on the ABCDE’s of Melanoma so when you perform your monthly skin check, you know what to look for.

Learn more about the sunscreens we carry by stopping into any of our offices.

Keep Sunscreen On-Hand this Spring

 

Spring is here, which means the sun is back out! Just because it is not blistering hot outside does not mean you can skip out on the sunscreen. Harmful UVA rays can pass through clouds and cause damage to your skin. Even if it is cloudy out be sure to lather up on sunscreen. Also, there are sunscreens for different parts of the body. For instance, your face. Use a sunscreen that is specifically designed for your face. Your facial skin can be more sensitive to irritation and face sunscreens account for that. Lucky for you, we carry sunscreen for purchase in all of our offices. Check out some of our best sellers below:

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Serious UV protection and superior hydration join forces in this sheer facial sunscreen. EltaMD UV Daily has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines. This lightweight moisturizer with UV protection can be worn alone or under makeup. Choose from tinted and un-tinted formulas for use every day.  The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Benefits:

  • 9.0% transparent zinc oxide
  • Hyaluronic Acid increases skin smoothness, softness and decreases wrinkles
  • Glides on easily and absorbs quickly into the skin
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic

EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41

For oil-free sun protection with just a touch of color, the lightly tinted UV Physical is a healthy choice. This chemical-free natural mineral sunscreen contains antioxidants to help eliminate free radicals. Water-resistant UV Physical withstands water, humidity, and perspiration. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Benefits:

  • 9.0% transparent zinc oxide, 7.0% titanium dioxide
  • Lightly-tinted formula
  • Water-resistant (40 minutes)
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, chemical-free and noncomedogenic

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear is an oil-free sunscreen. It helps calm and protects sensitive skin prone to breakouts, rosacea, and discoloration. Also, it contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. Very lightweight and silky, it may be worn with makeup or alone. Choose from tinted and un-tinted formulas for use every day. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Benefits:

  • 9.0% transparent zinc oxide
  • Calms and protects acne-prone skin
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic

Colorscience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Bush-On Shield SPF 50

The Colorscience Sunforgettable brush is powered by EnviroScreen™ Technology. This all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides complete protection in one convenient, on-the-go application. This can be worn alone or over makeup.

Benefits:

  • Convenient, easy-to-apply, portable brush
  • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)

ZO Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

This is a non-greasy, quick-drying sunscreen. ZO Sunscreen + Primer has a sheer matte finish and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays. It has a universal tint and a matte finish. This helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. It can be used alone or worn under makeup for a long-lasting application.

Benefits:

  • Exclusive 12-hour time-release antioxidant complex guards against photodamage
  • Use alone or wear under makeup for a more even, long-lasting application
  • UVA/UVB/HEV sun protection
  • Helps to smooth the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines

Sunscreens are available at any of our office locations (note: not all sunscreens are available at all locations). To purchase products or to schedule a skin care consultation to see which products are best for your skin, please visit our website.

Make Your New Year’s Resolution Healthy Skin

New year, new skin? The new year is a fresh chance for us to work towards the betterment of ourselves. Whether your resolution is to give up a certain vice or pick up a good habit, it’s important to focus on attainable goals that lead you to a better life. Many vow to lose weight or pick up a new activity, but in 2019, we encourage you to make a commitment to better skin health.

Your epidermis, or skin, is the largest and fastest-growing organ in your body. It’s a defense barrier to outside damages and is constantly producing new cells to replace the old. Although our skin is continuously growing, that doesn’t mean it will take care of itself. Our skin requires daily care to be certain it’s working to its’ fullest potential. For 2019, make the simple resolution of adding any of these skin care practices to your daily routine

Moisturizing Daily

Just because the calendar is growing another year older, doesn’t mean our skin has to. Adding a daily moisturizer to your skin care routine is the perfect way to start fighting against bad skin. Winter air and dry heat can leave the skin feeling dry and cracked. Moisturizers will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Their effects are proven to fight off skin problems like blemishes and wrinkles.

With just as many skin types as there are moisturizing products, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist to determine which is the best for you. If your skin is naturally oily, be sure to choose a moisturizing lotion with exfoliation properties versus a smooth cream. However, those with drier skin need creams due to the higher oil content that’s contained.

SPF All Year

You may be wondering why we’re talking about sunscreen in January. Although we aren’t actively trying to sun ourselves in the winter months, that doesn’t mean we aren’t receiving the sun’s harmful rays when we venture outside. While it’s cold, your arms and legs will be protected from the sun by your long-sleeved clothes. We suggest adding a facial sunscreen to your morning routine, especially if you spend a good amount of your day outside. The sunscreen you choose must be broad spectrum against both UVA and UVB rays, water resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. As the months warm up and you start exposing more skin, start regularly applying sunscreen to those exposed areas as well.

Clean Face Before Bed

This one is a tale as old as time, but somehow the hardest to follow. We all know how incredibly important it is to give our skin a clean rest during the night. Washing your face before bed with a cleanser takes off any dirt or heavy foundation that accumulates on your skin during the day. By sticking to this hard habit, your skin will surely thank you in a few decades.

Annual Mole Check

Maybe not the most glamorous resolution, but still one you’ll want to make a habit of. It’s important to visit a dermatologist at least once a year to check out any curious, new growths on your skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and can be deadly if left untreated. It often appears as a small blemish on you skin and can often be mistaken for something less serious.

If you notice a new mole or freckle on your skin, be sure to follow these guidelines to determine if it’s abnormal. If you aren’t sure or if you have the least bit of worry, schedule an appointment with a medical professional. They’ll easily be able to examine and test the worrisome spot to see if it’s of any concern.

Keep Up with It

We know that the hardest part of a resolution is sticking with it. If you find yourself mid-February and falling out of your new skin care habits, don’t be afraid to recommit and work for better skin. Although the first day of a new year is excellent motivation to start the things you’ve been meaning to, it doesn’t dictate as your only chance for change. Change happens daily but can only be met through persistent determination. Choosing a resolution as simple as adding a moisturizer to your everyday routine may be the start towards becoming a better you.

Need help with your resolution towards better skin? The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of practiced experience in suggesting products, checking moles and creating a healthier skin to live in. To make an appointment with any of our medical professionals, visit us   or give us a call at 865-690-9467.

How to Screen Your Sun Protection

If everyone’s skin is different, then why do we try to protect it like it’s the same? Companies create makeup and skin care products designed to cater to different skin types. However, when it comes to sunscreen, people rarely research what they are buying, and which product will best protect their skin. Luckily for you, the American Academy of Dermatology released tons of tips and information that will help you choose a sun protection that will best guard your skin.

What to Buy

Sunscreen is typically sold in the forms of lotions, sticks and sprays. You will want to purchase something that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen must be applied every two hours, or after swimming and physical activity.

While lotions are recommended due to their full-coverage, sticks and sprays tend to be more convenient. A stick of sunscreen should be applied in four layers for maximum coverage. Rubbing it in after application ensures that an even layer has been covered. Spray sunscreen should be applied generously to your skin. Do not use a spray on a windy day to avoid inhaling the chemicals.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two different types of sunscreens available on the market: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, as they sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen should be used by people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens will include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens are designed to be applied easier to the skin. These products don’t leave the white residue that is frequent in physical sunscreens. Instead of reflecting the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb them. Ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate and homosalate are common in these products. The FDA has also issued a warning against sunscreen pills, which have been found to be ineffective.

Ingredients to Avoid

It’s very important to look at the ingredients in sun screen to see if it is suitable for your personal skin type. Recently, Hawaiian legislators banned the distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are used in chemical sunscreens and have raised environmental concerns. The chemicals are also linked to the damage of marine life and coral reefs.

The FDA has yet to ban these chemicals, as they are still approved and considered safe for human use. In fact, according to American Academy of Dermatology President Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, all of the active ingredients in U.S. sunscreens have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for human use..  When one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, the FDA is encouraging everyone to take the proper steps to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays.

Do you have a concerning spot you need looked at? Or need help finding suitable sun protection for your skin? Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today to make an appointment at (865) 690-9467.

How to Protect Yourself During National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month? With warm weather here, it’s hard to not want to spend time in the sun. Being out in the sun makes our skin glow and everyone a little happier. It can also make us forget the threats that are associated with spending too much time in its’ rays. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It often goes undetected until it’s too late. Here is everything you need to know about protecting yourself while you enjoy the summer months:

UV Index:

The three most common forms of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. The UV Index ranks exposure levels to ultraviolet light based on a zero to 15 scale. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing sun protection if the UV Index is a level three or higher. Weather apps calculate the UV Index for when you want to check the ultraviolet levels in your area.

Wear Sunscreen:

This is an obvious one! You should never be out in the sun without some sort of protection. Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should also be broad spectrum to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating and toweling off. Check the expiration date on the bottle to see if it has exceeded its shelf life before using.

Avoid Indoor Tanning:

The use of tanning beds is not safe for your skin and is definitely not recommended. One session in the tanning bed increases the risk of developing melanoma by 20 percent. A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, so even getting a base tan is harmful to your skin.

Regular Skin Checks:

When detected early, skin cancer is very treatable. Self-examining your skin for suspicious moles can help you catch it before its too late. Observe the places on your body that receive the most sun exposure like your neck, legs, feet, elbows and arms. Ask a friend for help checking those hard-to-see places like your back and scalp.

If you do find a concerning spot contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 or on their website www.knoxderm.com.