Summer Skin Protection: Clinical Dermatology Treatments That Matter

Summer’s here — and that means higher UV index readings, which is a daily forecast of expected ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The warmer months also mean extreme temperatures and humidity, especially with longer and more frequent heat waves nationwide.

Now is the time to take proactive measures to protect skin from harmful UV damage and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

It's also a critical time for those managing existing dermatologic concerns and skin conditions that are exacerbated by the heat. SPF protection is extremely important for all ages and all skin colors and types. However, clinical management of sun-aggravated skin disorders with dermatologist-prescribed medication to prevent flare-ups also might be necessary.

FFF Enterprises — recognized as the nation’s most trusted specialty drug distributor — works hard to support providers with access to these prescriptions and specialty dermatology pharmaceuticals. We also offer a variety of SPF-rated sunscreens, moisturizers, and lotions to complement our extensive line of skin treatment products.

Steps You Should Take to Protect Skin Against Summer UV Damage

Jacqueline David, RN — a 30-year registered nurse and key account manager for FFF Enterprises — is no stranger to managing hot summers as a resident of Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.

As the body’s largest organ, skin is exposed to quite a bit and needs to be taken care of, according to David. A thinning ozone layer compounds the issues of our hot summers and the need to protect our own outer layer.

“It’s really hot right now,” said David, speaking during the latest June heat wave affecting the eastern half of the country. “The most important thing is to try to be indoors when the UV index is really high. You really need to temper your activity with what’s going on outside.”

For practical summer skin protection that you can be mindful of on your own, David has a few tips:

  • Wear SPF clothing and hats.
  • David likes to use sunscreen with zinc oxide, but do research on sunscreen ingredients with accredited medical resources.
  • Stay hydrated with water but also electrolytes.
  • Exercise indoors or very early in the morning to avoid the harshest UV rays. If you want to get some Vitamin D from the sun, do it for a short period of time early in the morning. Apply sunscreen shortly after or go indoors.
  • Make sure you know what the UV index is daily (*David uses an app on her phone).
  • If you have a preexisting skin condition or think you may have developed one, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist (*David suggests making sure you are comfortable with the doctor).
  • Once scheduled, be prepared by writing down any questions prior to your appointment.
  • Get a whole-body skin cancer check once a year (*David goes twice a year as a precautionary measure due to living in Florida).

David is always shopping for SPF clothing, walking her two dogs early in the morning, and making sure to wear sunscreen.

“I don’t look my age because of it,” she said of her diligent sun protection measures. “Dark skin or light skin — you should always wear sunscreen.”

Oftentimes, people are dealing with skin conditions that get worse with summertime’s higher UV exposure, humidity and resulting perspiration. For example, melasma, which is the darkening of skin on the face, can become worse with ultraviolet light exposure, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also states that ultraviolet light exposure, as well as extreme temperatures, can worsen rosacea, which is a skin condition that causes facial redness and may spread to ears, neck, scalp, and chest.

“Bottom line: the most important thing if you have any kind of a skin condition is please go to a dermatologist,” David said. “You have to consult a doctor, especially if you’re doing anything with the sun.”

She added: “What works for you might not work for someone else.”

Clinical Dermatology Products Available Through FFF

In order to provide critical support for provider-prescribed care, FFF carries a wide range of clinical dermatology products to address patients’ skin conditions, including:

  • Acne vulgaris
  • Severe acne
  • Rosacea
  • Melasma
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Eczema
  • Molluscum contagiosum
  • Dermatosis

FFF is committed to supplying healthcare professionals and patients with high-quality, counterfeit-free pharmaceuticals to address summer skin protection needs.

We’re here to help your patients with a complete range of medical dermatology products. To learn more, call our Wow! Customer Care Team at (800) 843-7477 or visit our BioSupply® e-commerce site.

If you’re a healthcare professional, encourage all patients to take necessary steps to protect themselves this summer.

“Understand that it’s very hot. The humidity doesn’t help. And on top of that, you have a high UV index,” David stressed. “Either stay inside [during the highest UV levels] or cover appropriately with SPF clothing.”