Did you know that July 8th is National Love Your Skin Day? July is also UV Safety Month, so it’s a great reason to take a minute and explore how we’re taking care of our skin as we age. Our skin changes over time, becoming thinner, drier, and more vulnerable to damage from the sun, insects, and the environment. Today’s blog post will share simple tips for protecting your skin from UV rays year-round, preventing bug bites during outdoor activities, and recognizing signs that it may be time to see a dermatologist. We’ll also highlight local dermatology resources so you can keep your skin healthy and glowing at every age. Healthy skin isn’t just about looking good- it’s an important part of staying healthy and active at every age. 

 

Sun Protection 

Taking steps to protect ourselves from the sun’s rays may seem like a unique challenge for summer, but there are simple ways we can protect our skin year-round.  

• Avoid tanning beds (including UV lights used for gel manicures!)
• Schedule your day and errands so that you’re out of the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest. 
• If you have to be outside during this time, try to stay in the shade and avoid direct sunlight if you can. 
• Wear SPF every day, whether that’s sunscreen or a face moisturizer with SPF (aim for at least an SPF of 30). Click here for the Skin Care Foundation’s. guide on choosing a sunscreen. 
• Remember to wear sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy. 
• If you’re going to be outside, make sure you’re reapplying your sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating! 
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you plan to go outside. 
• Check your skin regularly for abnormalities   

 

Protection from Mosquitos and Ticks 

• Make sure your arms and legs are covered- wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes when spending time outside (as a bonus, this can also help with protection from the sun!). 
• Avoid being outside during dusk when bugs are most active.   
• The AARP recommends wearing blue, green, purple, or white, as these are colors that mosquitos tend to avoid.   
• Wear insect repellent and know how to apply it correctly.   
• Visit this link to read our recent blog post on using bug sprays safely, basic tick prevention, how to search for ticks after being outside, and safely removing ticks.  

 

Seeing a Dermatologist  

What is a dermatologist? 

• The Canadian Health Association defines a dermatologist as “a doctor specializing in preventing, identifying and treating conditions that impact skin, hair and nails.” 

 

What can they do? 

• Basically, dermatologists treat a wide variety of skin conditions. Treatments could be as simple as medicated cream, or something more involved, like extractions, freezing tissue, or surgery.  
• Some dermatologists provide cosmetic treatments (e.g., fillers, chemical peels, etc.). 

 

When should you see a specialist? 

• • If you don’t already have a dermatologist, seeing your doctor is a good start. They can take a look at what’s bothering you and make a referral if needed.  
  • Doctors can handle smaller skin issues like warts, mild acne, minor rashes, and bug bites. It might be time to bring in a dermatologist if: 
  • A skin problem (e.g., a rash) covers more than 10% of your body. 
  • You saw a doctor and the treatment they prescribed isn’t solving the issue. 
  • A mole or other mark on your skin has changed. 
  • You have hives, rashes, or other skin conditions that won’t go away.  
  • You have skin irritation or dry skin that won’t go away (especially if over the counter medicine isn’t working). 
  • You notice an issue with your nails, including ingrown nails, or nail fungus.  
  • You’re experiencing hair loss.  
  • How to prepare for your first dermatologist appointment via Cleveland Clinic (near bottom of the page) 

 

 

Local Resources 

• Dermatology Specialists of Ann Arbor (734) 677-3376 
  • Located inside the Trinity Building at Domino’s Farms. 
  • Also have location in Dexter (734) 726-9992. 

• Michigan Medicine Dermatology Clinic (734) 936-4054
  • Located in the Taubman Center (1500 E Medical Center Dr, Floor 1 Reception B, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) 
  • Use parking structure P2/P3. 

• Trinity Health Academic Dermatology (734) 712-3376 
  • Physicials are residents who are overseen by board-certified attending physicians.  
  • Can help with a variety of conditions, including skin cancer, eczema, rashes, skin tags, rosacea, lipomas, and psoriasis.  

• U-M Health Dermatology Skin of Color Clinic at the Ypsilanti Health Center (734) 936-4057 
  • Provides expert care for skin, hair, and nail conditions affecting people with melanated, or pigmented skin. 
  • Free parking located at the parking structure (300 Pearl Street).