Most of us like sunshine warm upon our faces.
What we don’t like are wrinkles, blotches and skin cancer that can come from overexposure.
That makes sunblock an integral part of daily skin care, Dr. Jeffrey Popp said.
“The darker your natural skin color, the more protected you are from sun damage,” he said. “Unfortunately, the reverse also is true.”
For example, a dark Sudanese is far less likely to get sunburnt than a pale, red-headed Swede.
The skin of most others, including Asians and Latinas, falls somewhere between Sudan and Sweden on the skin color spectrum.
“There are varying colors and degrees of natural, inherited pigmentation in skin,” Dr. Popp said.
Skin treatments
People who come to Dr. Popp for skin resurfacing, wrinkle reduction and sun-damaged pigmentation do generally have lighter skin.
“In 33 years, I don’t think I’ve ever treated someone with African American or Latina skin for wrinkles,” he said.
“They just don’t get wrinkles the way blonde, blue eyed and freckled people do.”
So the paler you are, the more important sunblock becomes to prevent damage, including blotches and wrinkles. Make it part of your daily skin care regimen.
“If you’re going to prevent or reverse sun damage, daily application is important,” Dr. Popp said.
”Everyone’s exposed to sunlight daily, even if you only walk from the car to your doorway or out to get your mail.”
Ready to get your free consult today? Call 402.391.4558.
