UV Safety Awareness Month and How to Protect Your Skin in Sunny Fargo
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of protecting the skin from its harmful effects. For residents of Fargo, North Dakota, this awareness is particularly crucial given the region’s seasonal variations in UV exposure. In this blog, we will be discussing tips to protect your skin and treatments available at Fargo Center for Dermatology for sun damage repair.
What is UV Radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation primarily comes from the sun but is also emitted by tanning beds. There are two main types of UV rays: UVA which damages the skin’s outer layer and is primarily responsible for sunburns and UVB which penetrates the middle layers of the skin and causes premature aging, sun damage, and development of cancerous cells. Prolonged sun exposure can result in much more than sunburned skin, which is why it is important to protect your skin and repair it with treatments that mitigate the effects of long-term UV exposure.
Tips for Protecting Your Skin from UV Rays
Residents of Fargo can take several steps to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply frequently when swimming or sunbathing
- Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10am – 4pm)
- Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
- Avoid tanning beds since these are linked to an increased risk of melanoma, particularly in young people.
Treatments for Sun Damage
Despite best efforts, sun damage can occur. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Ness offers various treatments to address the effects of UV exposure, including:
Age Spots Treatments
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are a common result of prolonged sun exposure. One of our most popular treatments is the advanced Cynosure ICON laser system, which includes IPL (intense-pulsed light), laser therapy, and a melanin reader. Age spots, hyperpigmentation, redness, and wrinkles can all be effectively treated to restore clear, unblemished skin and a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels, facials, and microdermabrasion can also be considered and we will help you find the right treatment for your specific skin needs.
Skin Cancer Treatments
Early detection and treatment of skin cancer are critical. Even if you think a skin lesion is nothing to worry about, we encourage patients to get skin cancer screenings as a precautionary measure. During these screenings, areas of the body that patients cannot easily visualize on their own (the back and scalp) will be carefully examined.
If Dr. Ness is worried about a skin lesion, she may take a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. Laser treatments or cryotherapy can be used to treat actinic keratosis (precancerous cells) but surgical excision and skin reconstruction are often needed for melanoma or skin tumors.
Mole Removal
Moles are made up of clusters of cells that produce melanin (pigmentation in the skin). They form for a variety of reasons, many of which are harmless, but can be the result of UV exposure, which causes these pigment-producing cells to multiply. Newly developing moles or those that change in size, shape, or color should be evaluated as soon as possible for precautionary measures. Mole removal can be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons using a shave removal technique or surgical excision.
Schedule a Consultation
As we celebrate the warm summer months, it is also important to celebrate our skin by protecting it from excess sun exposure. With the guidance of Dr. Rachel Ness and our expert team, you can find easy solutions to protect your skin and advanced treatment options to repair sun damage. Schedule a consultation today by calling our office in Fargo, ND or filling out an online contact form.
