Secret Southern Couture: Protecting your skin from the sun is more serious than avoiding a sunburn   

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Protecting your skin from the sun is more serious than avoiding a sunburn

Unprotected sun exposure can result in wrinkles, aging skin and in the worse case – skin cancer.  It is so important to protect your skin correctly that the Food and Drug Administration has proposed new rules that would require sunscreen labels to indicate how well a given product protects users against UV-A.

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month in May, Cosmetic Dermatologist David J. Goldberg, MD, JD shares some tips on how to enjoy the sun, but to avoid damage from its dangerous rays:


1. Make sure sunscreen has both UVB and UVA protection.  Not all do. The SPF is a measurement of UVB protection (SPF should be at least 15). SPF does not measure UVA protection. Both UVA and UVB cause skin cancer and wrinkles. The sunscreen must say "UVA protection provided."


2. The worst hours to be on the beach are between 11 am -3 pm.


3. Tee shirts do not protect from ultraviolet damage.


4. Windows (and sunglasses) do protect from UVB - they do not block UVA.

Dr. Goldberg is available for interviews regarding protecting skin from the sun and repairing sun damage.

About David J. Goldberg, MD, JD

David J. Goldberg, MD, JD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New Jersey, New York and Florida, is one of the industry’s most widely regarded figures.  He is the founder and director of his successful practice, Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey; a leader in the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Dermatological Society of New Jersey, among others; a law professor at Fordham University in New York; and a physician who has garnered a host of accolades, including being the recipient of the ASLMS’s first Leon Goldman Memorial Award, which recognizes contributions in clinical laser research, laser patient care and medical laser education.
Dr. Goldberg has published over 125 academic papers and has contributed to over 10 academic textbooks.  He has authored textbooks on laser dermatology, laser hair removal, laser facial rejuvenation, photodamaged skin and skin wrinkle fillers.  He has also co-authored tow books for the general public:  Light Years Younger and Secrets of Great Skin.


Information provided by Melissa Kelz