SUMMER SOLACE

New York, NY – January – What are the rules for sunscreen?  Will chlorine damage my skin?  How can I prevent razor bumps? 

These are common questions Dr. Jim Baral, founder of American Dermatology Center and Assistant Clinical Professor Dermatology and Pediatrics Mount Sinai School of Medicine, hears from his patients as summer approaches.  Here, he provides the answers to your warm weather questions:

Got Protection?:  Before heading to the beach or even your garden, Dr. Baral recommends using a sunscreen with a 30+ SPF.  But did you know for maximum coverage you should apply it liberally every two hours?  “A common mistake people make is applying sunscreen in the morning and thinking it will provide them protection throughout the day,” explains Dr. Baral.  “Sunscreen needs to be applied more often and to body parts people often forget – including the lips, ears, feet and backsides of the arms, legs and neck.”  Our scalps are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, so Dr. Baral advises to always wear a hat when outdoors.

Forget-me-not: You forgot the sunscreen and have a bad burn – now what?  Dr. Baral says you can whip up your own home remedy to soothe the burn.  Mix equal parts milk and water for a cool compress and apply to the affected area.  Avoid hot baths, as they will make the burn worse.  Instead, opt for a cool bath and take aspirin or Advil every four hours to reduce swelling.  To prevent skin from peeling, Dr. Baral advises applying a moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy acids liberally to the area.

Party Pooper: Planning a pool party this summer?  You might want to think twice about it.  “Chlorine dries skin and in some cases irritates it as well,” explains Dr. Baral. A better option is the ocean.  “Salt water is very healthy for the skin.  It reduces inflammation, soothes the skin and relieves minor cuts and scrapes.”  An added bonus: sand helps exfoliate dead skin cells on the soles of the feet.

That Stinks: As many women know, applying deodorant or anti-perspirant to a freshly shaved underarm can lead to irritation.  If that’s the case, Dr. Baral suggests applying either hydrocortisone or Nizoral (both available over-the-counter) prior to deodorant or anti-perspirant.  Both remedies will prevent and soothe irritated skin.

I’m Free: Some women find that they breakout more in the summer months and dread applying a moisturizer or foundation.  Dr. Baral suggests a simple switch to oil-free products. “Oil-free products prevent pores from getting clogged, which is what leads to acne,” he explains. 

Dr. Baral is affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.  He is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and Pediatrics and is a member of several medical societies including the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery. 

For more information on Dr. Baral and American Dermatology Center, visit www.americandermatologyctr.com.