Is your bottle of sunscreen in storage right now? Take it out. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that your skin can take a break from sunscreens. Even if the weather is overcast or slightly cloudy, you should still protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

As you already know, UVA and UVB rays are strong and can cause as much damage to skin in the winter as in the summer. UVA rays, in particular, cause the skin to age significantly, as their radiation penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. Aside from wrinkles, UVA rays increase skin cancer risk. Although there’s a procedure that can detect skin cancer early on, it’s still better to take preventative steps to protect your skin from basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, and/or melanoma.

Why Wear Sunscreen?

While winter layers can provide warmth and coverage, the sun’s rays can still penetrate the exposed parts of your body, such as the hands, neck, and face. In addition to that, the harmful rays can still penetrate your skin through:

• Snow and Ice

Even though it’s gray and overcast outside, snow and ice can still reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays. You’ll never know when they’ll hit your skin so it’s best to put on sunscreen daily. If you’re going to the slopes to ski or snowboard, make sure to put on sunscreen with a stronger formula to keep windburn at bay.

• Thin Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is thinner in the cold months, so the exposure of UV rays in the earth’s surface is higher. With the atmosphere’s thin shield, it makes sense to use sun protection that has SPF30 or higher.

How to Keep Your Skin Protected?

Even if it’s cold outside, be sure to slather on sunscreen. Use these tips to keep your skin protected from winter sun damage.

• Beware of Sweat

You can still sweat even if you’re bundled up, so a one-time application is not enough. Reapply a moisturizer with SPF protection throughout the day to give you maximum coverage.

• Eat Nutritious Food

A healthy diet can add an extra layer of skin protection from the sun’s rays. Fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants will help your body fight free radicals and sun damage.

• Use the Right Sunscreen

Choose a product that offers a broad spectrum of coverage. In other words, select a product that contains both UVA and UVB blockers for total protection.

Prevention is better than cure, so don’t wait before skin damage becomes a problem. Protect your skin even if it’s winter, and you’ll thank yourself in later years. For more tips about skin protection, consult board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Seth Matarasso.

January is the perfect month for new beginnings. It’s when people are enthusiastic and ecstatic to explore new things and revamp old routines. That said, if you’re stuck in the same old skincare routine for years, you might want to make a shift this month.

Here are some reasons we think January is the perfect time to explore and start a new skincare regimen.

1. It’s a brand new start.

New beginnings come with fresh ideas and open mindedness to try a new routine or modify what you’re already accustomed to. Additionally, a fresh start means you have the energy to dig a little deeper into some of the skincare techniques and to find out if they work for your specific skin type.

2. You’re more likely to stick with a new routine.

The bright promise of a brand new year can fuel your commitment to stick with your resolutions. You can also use this energy to try a new skincare routine. When you try a new regimen with that kind of fuel, you are more likely to remember and stick with it until you see results.

3. You have a relaxed social calendar.

As your social calendar eases up this month, you’ll have more time to relax. You don’t have to stay up late anymore or slather your face with makeup, which can wreak havoc to your skin’s health. With less social engagements, you’ll have time to test new skin products or change your skincare routine. With a relaxed social calendar, you also let your skin relax and de-stress, making it easy for your skin to absorb and replenish lost nutrients.

4. Your skin will be ready for summer.

When you start a new routine this month, you’ll have enough time to nourish your skin. By the time summer rolls in, you are likely to see results from your hard work. Your skin will be in top shape once it’s time to switch your thick coats and jackets for bikinis and summer apparel.

The Ideal Skin Care Routine

Beautiful skin requires effort, so it takes more than just soap and water to keep your skin healthy. Try this routine this January for a change:

• Cleanse – Do this every night to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a mild cleanser if you have sensitive skin.
• Moisturize – Even if you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize to keep your skin from drying out.
• Sunscreen – Sun damage is the biggest culprit to aging skin, so sun protection is a must—even if it’s winter.
• Essentials – Each person has different needs for their skin, so include serums, essential oils, and other products in your daily routine.

Skin that’s clear, glowing, and blemish-free will always trump makeup. Therefore, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to learn new ways to care for your skin.

What are your plans for summer? Are you going to lounge by the pool or frolic in the waves at the beach? Whatever your summer plans are, they likely include a bit of extra time in the sun. Let’s make sun protection a priority this summer! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so this is a good time to brush up on how to best protect your skin against UV rays.

Stock Up on Sunscreen (and Use it)

How’s your sunscreen supply? If you’re running low, now is the time to restock. For a summer filled with sun, you’ll need a lot. For a full body application, you’ll need enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass. You should reapply at least every two hours, and even more often than that if you’re getting wet or sweating.

If still have an unused (or partially used) bottle of sunscreen from last year, don’t throw it out. Most sunscreens remain effective for about three years, but look for an expiration date on your bottle to be sure.

Master the SPF Mystery

Are you an expert in SPF? SPF—or sun protection factor—measures a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays. When properly applied, an SPF 30 can block about 97% of incoming UVB rays. Make sure you wear enough, though. If you use half the recommended amount you are effectively cutting your protection in half. Most people only apply about half to a quarter of the recommended amount. You need a nickel-sized dollop for the face alone, and about an ounce for the whole body.

Cover Up – And Not Just with Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a wonderful way to protect your skin from the sun, but it shouldn’t be used alone. Combine it with other sun-smart practices such as seeking out shade and wearing a hat or light layers to further protect your skin. Sunscreen might keep you from burning, but it’s important to remember that too much sun can still be a problem. Cover up!

Repair Past Sun Damage

If your sun practices in the past haven’t been exemplary, you may have some sun damage. Come see Dr. Matarasso to repair it. IPL (intense pulsed light) or a Fraxel laser treatment may be able to fade the signs of sun damage on your skin.

Beautiful summer skin starts with sun protection!

Sunscreen: Why You Need It and How to Use It

Sunscreen should be a must-do part of your skin care routine year round. For daily use, a good SPF 15 is usually sufficient, but make sure you’re using it correctly. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your sunscreen use.

• Use Plenty: Are you using enough sunscreen? You need a nickel-sized dollop for your face alone. If you’re applying to the whole body, you’ll need a lot more (about a shot glass worth).
• Reapply Often: Sunscreen isn’t a “apply once and forget about it” kind of product. You need to reapply every couple of hours for maximum effectiveness. Reapply more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Don’t Forget the Ears: Sunscreen can only work where it is applied. Don’t forget these commonly forgotten areas.

I Already Have Sun Damage… What Can I Do?

If your sun habits haven’t been the best in the past, don’t despair. You can make positive changes today and come see Dr. Matarasso to correct some of the damage. The following treatments are a good choice for patients with sun damage.

• Fraxel: The Fraxel laser is a skin rejuvenation treatment that targets and treats damaged skin while leaving the surrounding tissues intact. This promotes faster healing. You’ll start to see results immediately after treatment with continued improvement as the body heals and boosts collagen production. This is a great option for sun damage.
• IPL: IPL (short for intense pulsed light) is a non-surgical, non-invasive option for treating problem skin. It is a great option for treating sun spots, hyperpigmentation and freckles, all signs of sun damage.
• Skin Cancer Detection: Skin cancer is something most of us want to think about, but early detection can be a lifesaver. A skin cancer detection appointment with Dr. Matarasso is an excellent addition to your own personal cancer checks. We recommend this screening regularly for all patients, even those with optimal sun practices.

Be sun smart! Call us today and book your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must year round and that includes summer. Wear a high quality sunscreen every day. Dr. Matarasso recommends a minimum of SPF 15 for daily use (higher if you’ll be in the sun or if you burn easily). Don’t forget the ears! Sunscreen is one of the best ways to avoid premature skin aging and to reduce your skin cancer risk.

Improve the Appearance of Wrinkles in Minutes

Have you tried injectables? If you want to improve the appearance of your skin without surgery, try a dermal filler like Juvederm or a botulinum toxin treatment like Botox. Dermal fillers restore lost facial volume (a common sign of aging) and fill in wrinkles. Botox helps relax the muscles that cause some types of wrinkles (like crow’s feet or forehead lines) allowing them to fade away. Treatment takes just a few minutes with results that last for months. Come in for treatment today and look great all summer long.

Target Problem Skin

Do you struggle with acne or eczema? Do you have visible facial veins? Treating skin problems is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your skin. Dr. Matarasso is a highly skilled dermatologist with extensive experience treating problem skin. If you have skin problems, get help and find a solution. Call us today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Stick to a Routine

The hectic days of the summer make it easy to slip out of your skin care routine. Take time each day to cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. It just takes a few minutes a day and makes a big difference in your overall appearance. What’s your skin care routine? How can you improve it this summer?

Give Your Face a Little TLC

This summer do something extra for your face; give it a little TLC. A facial, an exfoliating treatment, or laser skin resurfacing can make a big difference in your skin. We all need a little extra help now and then and it is prime time you gave your skin a little something extra.

Let’s make this summer the summer of beautiful skin. Call us today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Physical or Chemical?

There are two primary types of sunscreen: physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) block or reflect the sun’s rays, while chemical sunscreens (like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or octylcrylene) absorb them. Physical sunscreens start working immediately while chemical sunscreens should be applied about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Both are effective sun protection solutions.

Physical sunscreens tend to be less irritating than chemical sunscreens, but can leave behind a white, visible residue (look for micronized formulations to lessen this effect). If you don’t like your physical sunscreen, opt for a chemical one (or the other way around). The important thing is that you’re wearing a sunscreen.

Let’s take a quick look at a few of the differences between physical and chemical sunscreens.

Physical Sunscreens:

• Less Irritating to the Skin: Good choice for children and those with sensitive skin.
• Work Immediately: No need to wait before sun exposure.
• Block UVA and UVB Rays: Zinc oxide, one of the most popular physical sunscreens, blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Titanium dioxide doesn’t block all UVA rays, but does block some of them.
• May Leave Residue: Some physical sunscreens leave a white, visible residue when applied and can feel greasy.

Chemical Sunscreens

• No White Residue: Chemical sunscreens typically go on clear.
• Light and Comfortable: Chemical sunscreens tend to feel lighter, less greasy on the skin.

SPF: What Do I Need?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the amount of additional sun protection you have when using the product properly. The higher the SPF, the more sun protection you’ll have. For daily use, SPF 15 is probably enough (use SPF 30 if you have light skin, a history of skin cancer, or if you burn easily), but you’ll want a higher SPF on days you’ll be in the sun. For a day at the beach or lounging by the pool, choose at least an SPF 30. Look for sunscreens that provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen Doesn’t Work if You Don’t Wear Enough

Once you’ve got that great sunscreen, use it and use lots. You won’t get the sun protection you’re expecting if you don’t use enough. You need a dollop about the size of a nickel for just your face, more if you’ll be applying to your whole body. Apply before you head into the sun and then again every 2 hours (more often if you’re wet or sweaty).

For all of your skincare needs, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Seth Matarasso. He can help devise a skincare plan that’s right for you.

Don’t forget your sunscreen this summer!

Wear Sunscreen … Today and Every Day

Are you wearing sunscreen? You should be wearing a minimum of SPF 15 every single day, rain or shine. The sun’s UV rays are a major cause of brown spots, wrinkles, skin damage and even skin cancer. Protect your skin by slathering on the sunscreen. If you don’t want to add an extra step to your skincare routine, use a moisturizer with SPF. On those days you plan on spending time in the sun, use a higher SPF and reapply often.

Banish Acne

Celebrities are known for the gorgeously clear skin. Surely you won’t spot any blackheads, pimples or blemishes on the red carpet this year. Acne-free skin is something we can all work towards. Dr. Matarasso offers a variety of different acne treatments to eliminate acne in both adults and teens. If you’ve got acne, come in as soon possible. Quick treatment is essential to minimize acne scars.

Have You Tried Botox?

As your favorite celebrity makes their way down the red carpet, look for Botox. You might not see it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Celebrities love using Botox to soften wrinkles caused by overactive muscle impulses. A few quick injections can practically eliminate crow’s feet, lines between the brow and forehead lines. When properly administered, Botox provides natural-looking, dramatic results. There’s a reason that Botox consistently tops the list of most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures: it works!

Fraxel Laser- Your Skin’s Secret Weapon

In addition to good daily skincare practices, give your skin an occasional boost of TLC. The Fraxel laser can target and treat damaged skin, eliminating brown spots, reducing wrinkles and smoothing skin. Plus, the treatment naturally boosts your collagen production for longer term results. If your skin needs a little extra help, come try the Fraxel laser. This is a great choice before a big event. Celebrities might try Fraxel a few weeks before the Academy Awards; you can use it for a radiance boost before a big night out or any time you want to look your best.

Call us today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso. He’ll help you get your skin red carpet ready.