Did you know the largest organ in your body is your skin? It is your shield against disease, infection, and the sun – so you can remain healthy. That is why it is so important to take care of it. Dr. Laurel Krupski, PA-C, Dermatologist PA, shares these skin care tips:

• Apply UVA/UVB physical sunscreen daily
• Cover up with wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves
• Avoid using tanning beds
• Get your skin checked annually
• Don’t ignore changing skin spots!
• Wash your body with Dove or lotion soap
• Apply moisturizer after bathing
• Avoid irritants like fragrance, metals, chemicals, essential oils
• Use all free-and-clear detergent if you have sensitive skin
• Vanicream Products for sensitive skin

See your primary care physician or dermatologist to have spots examined, at least yearly if you are at high risk for skin cancer.

Sun Damage

What is UVA radiation?
UVA radiation makes up 95% of all the UV rays that make it to the Earth’s surface. UVA penetrates deep into the dermis of our skin and can even pass through glass.

UVA damages your skin. It is the primary radiation used in tanning beds. It causes almost all forms of skin aging, including wrinkles. UVA damages the collagen and elastin in the skin and also generates free radicals, which lead to cancer.

What is UVB radiation?
UVB radiation makes up only 5% of the UV rays from the sun, but it is very high energy. UVB damages skin cells, causes sunburns, and causes DNA mutations that can eventually lead to melanoma and other types of skin cancer. UVB radiation from the sun also can cause cataracts. Cataracts happen when proteins in your eye lens get damaged. The proteins start to collect pigments that cloud your vision.