Thanks to label changes, you can now tell whether a sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, premature skin aging, and sunburn — or just sunburn.  To select a sunscreen that can protect against skin cancer, premature skin aging, and sunburn, you’ll need to look for two things.

• Look for is the words “broad spectrum.” This means that the sunscreen can protect your skin from both types of harmful UV rays — the UVA rays and the UVB rays.
• Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you select a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
• Look for the words “water resistant.”  This is recommended by Beverly Hills dermatologists which tells you that the sunscreen will stay on your skin for a while even if your skin gets wet. Not all sunscreens offer water resistance. There should also be a number like 40 or 80 which means minutes that you can go until you need to reapply.  Always reapply.
• Select sunscreen that does not contain insect repellant.  Dermatologists, however, recommend that you buy these two products separately. You need to reapply sunscreen liberally at least every two hours. In most situations, you need to reapply insect repellant much less frequently and much more sparingly.
• Select a product to protect your lips. Skin cancer can develop on the lips — and be quite aggressive. To protect your lips, select a lip balm that is labeled “Broad Spectrum SPF 30.” Be sure to use it year round.
• You will no longer see “Water Proof” and “Sunblock” – Do not use these products

Chronic sun exposure causes brown spots to appear. Commonly, people with fair skin are more extensively affected; however, those who tan easily or have naturally dark skin have many brown spots as well. Incorrectly referred to as age or liver spots, brown spots can appear on any area of sun-exposed skin but are most often seen on the face, neck and the backs of the hands and forearms.

The Kopelson Clinic recommends Nd:YAG cosmetic laser surgery, Pulsed Dye Cosmetic Laser treatment and IPL treatment all as excellent non-invasive ways to treat red spots and brown spots. Recently these procedures have been perfected in such a way that they do not injure the skin’s surface; hence, discomfort and downtime are kept to a minimum. Pearl™ laser resurfacing, a laser peeling procedure is also a great way to repair sun damaged skin.

Click here or contact The Kopelson Clinic to schedule an appointment.