Tips for Summer Ready Skin with Dr. David Goldberg

Did you know that sunburns are not as serious as protecting your skin from sun exposure? The damage of unprotected sun exposure results in premature aging, wrinkles, dehydrated skin and skin-cancer.

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: It’s never to early to start. Dr. Goldberg is the founder and director of Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey; a leader in the field of Dermatology, his credentials list is long and impressive.  He took time out of a busy schedule to share with us, what his picks are to help us get summer ready.

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’s Picks:

1.) UVA-UVB Sunscreen, SPF-15 sun clothing, good moisturizer, Botox for heat induced armpit sweating.

The best over-the-counter products available to help reduce sun damage:

1. La Roche’ Posay ”Active C.”  This is a great antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals and help keep carcinogenic activity to a minimum.  It’s also an effective anti-inflammatory.
2. La Roche’ Posay ”Anthelios SX.” This is a very elegant sunscreen that provides sufficient uv protection to prevent sun damage in the first place.

Top picks for medical strength sun damage repair:

1. Skin Medica ”Essential Serum.” This provides human growth factors to aid in the production of new, healthy skin cells, and 3 different peptides to help strengthen protein chains in the deeper levels of the skin.
2. Obagi ”Clarifying Serum.” This has 10% vitamin c along with 4% hydriquinone to protect and fade sun spots.
3. Obagi Tretinoin .05%.  This stimulates collagen and helps repair damaged DNA.  It’s effective without an extensive amount of irritation that other Retin A products tend to produce.
4. Skin Medica ”Environmental Defense SPF 50.” This is the best broad spectrum sunscreen to keep sun damage under control.

Top Moisturizers with Built in SPF:

1.)   Clinical:
NeoCutis Journee, Bio-Restorative Day Cream with spf 30 ($120) This is a great all in one, anti-aging, antioxidant moisturizer with growth factors for advanced cellular repair. Contains hyaluronic acid to plump up fine lines, and broad spectrum sun protection.

2.)   Pharmacy brand:
HydroPeptide SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Skin Enhancing UV Protection ($40), moisturizes dull, dehydrated skin, instantly even out redness and hyperpigmentation, while providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.  This product contains several key ingredients that make it a winning choice:

1. Sodium PCA, a humectant which helps to prevent moisture loss in the epidermis and
2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B-3) helps to reduce redness, increase ceramide and fatty acid levels for optimal hydration
3. Physical UV filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which will prevent premature aging.

3.)   Just Sunscreen:
Pharmacy recommendation:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in sunscreen milk for Face and Body ($24)

4.)   Clinical:
SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense spf 30 ($37) A light weight, oil free formula that
contains 7% transparent zinc oxide, which moisturizes and protects from premature
aging.

5.)   Colorescience Sunforgetable Orb spf 30 ($40)
This translucent mineral powder with broad spectrum (UVA, UVB and Infrared) sun protection feels like you have nothing on. It contains physical sun protection with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide is lightweight and nongreasy, yet very water-resistant.

Taking care of our skin is a serious matter, starting early we can Prevent, Maintain and Correct skincare issues that cause anguish.  I know I’m personally mortified with hyperpigmentation, acne and dry flakey skin.  I seek the help of my dermatologist when my skin issues seem like they are getting out of control, I am not a professional.

I hope this little guide will help everyone get summer ready skin – remember to drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep and live a healthy lifestyle.