Dr. Ravits of Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology answers Macaroni Kid readers' questions about skin, hair and nail conditions for kids and adults. This week, Dr. Ravits offers her top five tips that women can do at home to keep their skin healthy.
1. Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen and lipbalm (with SPF 15+) everyday, even on sunny and cloudy days. This helps to protect your skin from premature skin aging, for example, brown spots and sun damage, and limits your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is not just for hot summer days. The sun's UV rays can affect your skin year round. Take a small bottle of sunscreen with you to reapply later (but don't leave it in the hot car).
2. Treat a pimple right away. Acne begins in the teens, and for most women and men, it continues into their twenties and thirties. If you get a pimple, be sure to treat it immediately. The longer that it sits on your face, the bigger that it will grow and the more difficult that it will be to treat. Don't pick at a pimple or it could lead to a scar.
3. Check your moles each month and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any spots which are changing, bleeding or itching. Visit a dermatologist once a year for a full body skin exam to screen for skin cancer. The earlier that skin cancer is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of being able to successfully treat it.
4. Don't bake in the sun. If you go to the beach, seek shade and try to limit your sun exposure. The peak sun hours (10AM-4PM) are when the sun's harmful UV rays are the strongest. Go inside for a lunch break or find another fun activity to do at that time like shopping or going to a movie or museum.
5. Avoid tanning beds and embrace your natural skin tone. Studies have shown that people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75%.
Got questions for Dr. Ravits? Submit them anonymously HERE and we will post the answers in an upcoming Macaroni Kid newsletter.
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About Dr. Margaret Ravits
Dr. Ravits is a caring, experienced, board-certified dermatologist who treats patients of all ages. She and her wonderful team of board-certified dermatologists offer comprehensive treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions in their River Edge and Hackensack offices. Along with her private practice, Dr. Ravits is a Senior Attending at Hackensack University Medical Center where she previously served as the Chief of the Division of Dermatology for 22 years. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NY-Presbyterian Hospital. To learn more about Dr. Ravits, visit her website at http://www.ravitsdermatology.com.
Disclosure: Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen.
