Expert Rx

The Sun and Your Skin – 365

We’re excited to introduce to you our October contributor, Dr. Anita Arora Gill. After attending Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas in Houston, she founded Gill Dermatology. She has spent many hours writing manuscripts and book chapters on the diagnosis and treatment of skin disease, but now spends the majority of her time focused on patients and the treatment of their conditions. The main focus of her practice is to deliver up to date dermatology care in a highly personalized setting. Dr. Gill is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatological Society and the Texas Dermatological Society. 

The summer is not the only time you are at risk for damage from the sun. In fact, the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays are affecting your skin 365 days a year, even on cloudy (80 percent of ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds), overcast, foggy, and rainy days. With fall and winter around the corner, these seasons bring cold, biting winds, snow and ice, and dehydrating indoor heating. Also, snow and ice have surfaces that can reflect the sun’s rays onto your skin. This means that you have twice the UV exposure, both direct and indirect (reflective). All of these conditions can take a serious toll on your skin. So, don’t put away your sunscreen and sun protective clothing. It is vital part of your daily skin care regimen for all four seasons in the sun. In addition, gentle moisturizers and cleansers daily, such as Cerave and Cetaphil and avoiding long, hot baths also help promote healthy skin during the dry winter months.

The Skin Cancer Foundation advises people to enjoy the outdoors year round while still maintaining sun protection.  One way to protect yourself is with clothing, which is the single most effective form of sun protection for the body. It is an easy, effective way to block your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which account for 86 percent of melanomas and about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers. It’s the new trend in fashion, even in the fall and winter months.

However, not all clothing offers the same level of protection. A fabric’s weave, color, weight, stretch and fiber type all influence the amount of ultraviolet protection that the garment offers. Polyester, nylon, wool, silk and denim are very effective at stopping UV light, while loosely woven, bleached cotton offers the least amount.

With the cooler weather approaching, merino wool is the latest addition to be added to Coolibar’s UPF 50+ fabric roster. It is composed of merino wool and viscose from bamboo, which is soft and breathable, yet durable for year round outdoor activities.  It is UV resistant by its very nature and moisture wicking. Best of all, it is machine washable. Check out the link below to read more about the merino wool garments currently available at Coolibar, and order your very own today!

http://www.coolibar.com/category/Featured/Merino-Wool/pc/2408/2412.uts#Merino-101

-Dr. Gill

4 Comments
Previous Post
October 30, 2015
Next Post
October 30, 2015

4 Comments

  • Alexandra Kuncio

    Do multiple washings deteriorate the fabrics ability to shield UV Rays? I have had 2 Melanomas so far and am very careful about sun exposure. I put sunscreen on as well as the UV protection clothing…is this overkill?

    • Alex + Team Coolibar

      At Coolibar we test our fabrics to the max and guarantee that the sun protection will never wash or wear out. They will always be UPF 50+! We suggest wearing sunscreen on any areas not covered by our UPF 50+ clothing. Our fabrics are rated to block 98% of UVA and UVB therefore, it may not be necessary to wear sunscreen underneath.

  • Elizabeth Colvin

    Over my entire lifetime I didn’t protect my skin. I was an outdoor biker, swimmer and walker. When I turned 40 ( i’m 68 now ) I started to get skin cancer; first on my back and legs. In my late 40s skin cancer began to hit my face. All told I’ve had four Mose surgeries on my face. So far no melanoma, but I have to accept that it might happen in the future. My grandfather died of melanoma. I’ve been mostly a ‘ hot house flower ‘staying out of the sun, working inside. I’ve just ordered a lot of clothing and a suncream because my husband and I are going to be in South Florida for nine days. I’ve always loved swimming in the ocean and walking on the beach. I’m excited to be able to do those activities that I haven’t felt safe doing for years; ever since the cancers on my face. Thank-You very much for providing a safe way to enjoy being outside ! Best Wishes, Elizabeth Colvin

    • Alex + Team Coolibar

      We love hearing that, Elizabeth! We hope you enjoy your vacation!

Leave a Reply

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons