Summer Sun Tips

At last, summer is here again, with warmer weather beckoning us to spend more time outdoors. It’s the perfect time to learn about some important summer sun tips to keep you safe. Especially right now, with pools opening soon and family vacations to tropical destinations. We want you to have fun but also practice sun safety. Sun safety is essential whether you golf, garden, walk, or do any other outdoor activities. Through our work in dermatology, we see numerous hazardous effects of ultraviolet light exposure. The worst immediate effect, of course, is sunburn.

The staff at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands want to share our summer sun tips with you. We want you to enjoy the sunshine and stay safe.

See the recent summer sun tips we published about this: https://www.midlandsderm.com/extinguishing-your-sunburn/. Many of the long-term effects of UVA and UVB rays include skin cancer and premature aging.

Tanning Beds

Don’t use tanning beds or Ultraviolet UV light on your skin without a dermatologist’s advice for skin conditions. It has been more than 10 years since the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified tanning beds as the highest-order (group 1) carcinogen. This is due to how they cause skin cancer in humans.

Using a tanning bed to get a tan is never safe and can have a plethora of side effects. Side effects can include an increased risk of skin cancer and severe skin damage.

Sun Exposure

Minimize UV ray exposure during peak daylight hours, which are generally from 10 AM to 6 PM this time of year. Keep an eye on the clock and be mindful of the following:

How long have you spent outside?
When did you last apply sunscreen?
How much direct sunlight exposure have you received?

Each of us is a bit different in our ability to tolerate sunlight. Some individuals have a very fair complexion that can sunburn very rapidly. Others with darker complexions can tolerate much more sun exposure.

Protective Measures

When outdoors during the daytime in the summer, use measures to protect your skin from the sun. This includes staying in the shade and considering wide-brimmed hats for added protection. Broad-brimmed hats can shield your face and neck from the sun’s UV rays. This will protect your eyes and prevent sunburn on your face.

Sun-protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, is also recommended. Sun-protective clothing is readily available. Coolibar has many great options when it comes to sun-protective clothing. (www.coolibar.com).

Sunscreen For The Face and Body

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer and sun damage (even on cloudy days). Think about using this anytime you expect to spend more than 15 minutes outside in a day.

Apply two coats of sunscreen to your face and body before going out. Apply one coat 20 minutes before and another coat immediately before you go. Be thorough in your application.

Many people forget the tops and backs of the ears, tops of the feet, and parts of the back. Consider having someone help you reach these areas. Help your children apply sunscreen so that they learn by your example and do a thorough job. You should reapply sunscreen to your face and body every two hours.

Best Sunscreen to Use

Many sunscreen products are available. Active ingredients include both physical and chemical blocking agents. Physical blockers like titanium or zinc oxide reflect the UV light. Chemical blockers, such as avobenzone, absorb the light.

Some of the best sunscreens will have a combination of active sunscreen agents. We recommend looking for broad-spectrum products, meaning they block both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light.

If you will be doing activities where you will swim or sweat and expect water exposure, look for a water-resistant sunscreen. We recommend sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more for the sun protection factor SPF number. Neutrogena is one of the most common product lines that our dermatology providers recommend.

Disclosure Note:

You can find cosmetic-grade sunscreens for your face and body (Skin Medica) in our clinics or our online store at https://midlandsderm.brilliantconnections.com/home?lang=en_US

We also have powder-based sunscreens for your face and body (Color Science). These are available for purchase in our Omaha and Council Bluffs clinics. These powder-based sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UV protection without the greasy feel. All Color Science (staff favorite) cosmetic products have some sun protection in them.

Any review of sun protection is incomplete without covering at least briefly some of the hot buttons or controversial topics.

Vitamin D

First, the hazard that comes from minimizing sun exposure can be lowering your vitamin D levels. The primary importance of vitamin D is that it helps us absorb Calcium from our gut maintaining healthy bones.

For vitamin D that our bodies make, the final step in production occurs in the skin. Production is triggered by ultraviolet light. However, we do not need sun exposure to get our vitamin D.

You can get this through supplementation either through fortified milk or taking a vitamin. Numerous online resources will direct you to the appropriate dose of vitamin D.

Chemical Blockers

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that some chemical blockers in sunscreen can be absorbed into the body. These chemical blockers may be detected in the bloodstream after use. More study is needed to determine if this could have any future health effects on us.

Detecting these chemicals in the blood is not surprising. The skin is very good at absorbing things applied to it. Until scientific evidence shows any danger, the best dermatologists still support the use of sunscreen with these ingredients.

Wrapping It Up

Know Yourself, Know your surroundings and environment, and be a pro at protecting yourself and your family from ultraviolet light. Follow these summer sun tips and have a safe and fun summer! Remember to fill a shot glass with sunscreen and apply it generously.

Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands | Best Dermatologist Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA | Board Certified Dermatologists

We hope to host an open house and free skin cancer screening in Omaha, NE at this clinic sometime in the fall, once social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures are appropriately relaxed. In the meantime, for your convenience and availability please consider seeing us at this new clinical location in Omaha. Call us at (402) 933-3770 for more information or contact us to schedule a consultation.

Angel Stottle

13:52 13 Mar 20

This place is wonderful! Everyone you talk to is very friendly and very knowledgeable! I was happy to hear that they have a conservative natural approach to cosmetic dermatology and they really look at the long term/big picture of your skins health which I find excellent! Also you can get in and out quick without long waiting times. Highly recommend Dr. Davey, Jessica and their team!!! Beautiful office building too!

Shelly Burghardt

23:50 01 Mar 20

Professional and caring staff. I felt extremely reassured during my procedure. Dr. Davey took his time explained exactly what I could expect and made sure I was comfortable. Made what could have been a scary experience, something I felt completely confident about. THANK YOU!

Amber Cross

01:06 12 Feb 20

Rachel is the absolute best practitioner. When you can find someone who loves their job and has a skill set like her, keep her on your schedule! I have experienced lip injections, botox both rejuvenating laser and laser hair removal. A Solid Clinical Team- with a gentle atmosphere!

Sally Domet

22:40 31 Jan 20

I would highly recommend The Dermatologists of the Midlands for any health care needs. I was fortunate to have Sarah Stephenson help me. She was absolutely awesome! Her demeanor allows you to feel so comfortable talking about skin healthcare that might worry you.I was very pleased with the whole experience and would definitely recommend their services.

Marla Peterson

21:25 20 Jan 20

This clinic is the best! Very friendly staff and Rachel Person, the Nurse Practitioner, makes me feel so comfortable every time I go in for whole body skin checks. She is very knowledgable and easy to talk to about any concerns. Rachel is quick to come in to the exam room and very thorough during to check all while carrying on friendly conversation to distract you from the uneasy feeling of having someone inspect you from head to toe. Go see her, she is wonderful!Marla Peterson

Sabrina Gill

21:13 11 Jan 20

I've been seeing Dr. Davey for a few years for skin cancer checks. He has a family history of melanoma, so he has a soft spot for those with skin cancer risks. He always does a thorough exam, never making me feel self-conscious. He doesn't try to do unnecessary procedures, but he also doesn't just "watch and wait" when spots seems suspicious. Being a physician myself, I have utmost trust in his medical opinion and wealth of knowledge. His staff is always caring, kind and professional. I'm so glad I found Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands!

Yasha The Belgian Malinois

20:37 10 Jan 20

I have been seeing Dr Rachel Person for hyperhydrosis for several treatments. I’ve dealt with extreme sweating all my life, I’m 46 and intoductions are the worst. My career tends to have very limited formal introductions until a recent change in my position. I receive Botox every 3 months. It lasts all three months in the hands, leaving them dry and me confident. The underarms tend to start sweating within a couple months and within 2-3 weeks from my appointment, they sweat to the point that I need to be careful what I wear, but still not to the extent b4 treatment. It’s totally worth the pain which feelslike an insect bite to me, but the pain subsides quickly. The staff is very friendly when I check-in, I’ve never experienced a long wait, and the office offers coffee and bottled water. Dr. Person is super nice, attentive, a good listener and cares about my experience. I highly recommend Advanced Dermatology and Dr. Person for anyone suffering from hyperhydrosis.

Wade Lewis

14:34 17 Dec 19

I'd like to thank Dr. Shehan and the caring staff at Advanced Dermatology. I would refer them to anyone. Keep up the great work.

Daniell Krause

16:48 12 Dec 19

Hands down the BEST place to come for any skin issues. I had a skin check today and Dr. Davey did an exceptional job explaining his findings as well as walking me through the procedure of removing a mole and why. The nursing staff was also amazing and were very friendly. They also educated me while setting stuff up for the removal of a mole. If anyone is looking for a Dermatologist hands down this is the place to go!

Sarah Shreves

00:05 10 Dec 19

Jake is hands down the most caring person I have ever met. I know he truly cares about me and wants what’s best for me and my care. I am so thankful to have found him. I am afraid of drs and he makes you feel so comfortable that going to your appointments is a breeze. He even called me to see how I was doing on chemo after I started taking it. I could go on and on but he truly is the best.

Shyla Punteney

14:26 30 Nov 19

Dr. Shehan and his staff are amazing! Every time I see him for a visit I feel that he thoroughly addresses all of my concerns and has a genuine interest in what is going on with me. His level of knowledge is outstanding and he also shows that he cares about how I feel. Because of this and how happy I am with my care I’ve referred many of my family to be seen at their clinic. I would not hesitate to refer anyone I know!

Kayla Hansen

21:30 23 Oct 19

I have seen Dr. Davey twice, and both times I have left raving about what a positive experience it was. His staff is prompt, welcoming, and knowledgeable. I had to get two moles removed, and Dr. Davey spent time explaining the procedure and educating me about the importance of a proactive approach to managing the risks of skin cancer. He made sure the experience was 100% pain free, which was a great relief. His staff made sure to call my insurance company before the procedure to ensure that I would not be met with unexpected costs. I highly recommend Dr. Davey at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands!

Kirstin Peyton

14:51 03 Jul 19

Dr. Davey is Professional and Caring. He is a great listener and very knowledgeable. I recommend Dr. Davey to all my family and friends.

Demi Brezalli

19:07 21 May 19

Beautiful clinic and an amazing staff. I could not recommend any other dermatology office more than Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands! Dr. Davey and Dr. Shehan are incredibly humble and have such a warm demeanor. They are easy to confide in for any skin concerns. The midlevels, Jake, Sara and Rachel are all well versed and extremely welcoming. Such a phenomenal clinic. I will share with all my friends and family!

Molly Benson

18:52 21 May 19

Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands has great Drs and staff. I would recommend them to my friends and family.

Linda Singer

22:51 19 Apr 19

My husband and I are both patients of Dr. Davey. We agree that he listens, asks relevant questions, is a very friendly and caring person. We have been going to him for several years and have been very satisfied with our care.

Nabil Molai

16:34 19 Dec 18

I was able to be seen right away. Dr. Shehan did an amazing job of explaining everything to me and answered all my questions. Thank you again for all your help. I would truly recommend them.

Grant Kienast

03:02 10 Dec 18

Friendly, professional, clean atmosphere. Very pleased with my treatment results and the recommendations from doctors and staff at Advanced Dermatology. Will definitely recommend their services to others and continue all my skin health needs in the future with Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands. Thanks!