Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon Reveals Alternative Methods of Sun Protection

PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 16, 2015) - Skin cancer rates, particularly among young adults age 25-29, have escalated significantly in the last few decades, according to recent research by the Skin Cancer Foundation. While sunscreen remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, Dr. Lauren Greenberg, a Palo Alto plastic surgeon, reveals that there are a number of methods available that can help to protect the skin or be used as an alternative in the event a substitute is desired. To assist patients in their research, she has provided a helpful resource on how to protect oneself from excess sun exposure.

Dr. Greenberg first recaps how to use sunscreen effectively and which types offer the greatest defense. She indicates that products should offer both UVA and UVB (or broad spectrum) protection. Furthermore, she says patients should apply the lotion approximately 20 minutes before venturing outside and reapply every two hours at the minimum. In the event an individual would like to know other ways to protect the skin from sun exposure, she recommends wearing protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and surf shirts, utilizing shade as much as possible, avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, and being aware that reflective surfaces (water, snow, sand), can intensify the effect of UV rays. As a precautionary measure, she also often advises taking Vitamin D supplements or seeking the nutrient from dietary sources to strengthen the body's natural defenses.

A number of people desire stronger sun protection than lotion alone can provide, Dr. Greenberg explains, and others prefer to use alternatives to sun block. "Many of you are concerned about chemicals in sunscreen as well -- just wear SPF[-rated] clothes to protect." These safety measures, she affirms, can help to prevent skin cancer while still allowing people to enjoy the outdoors. She says she hopes by educating patients about their skin care options she can stem the rising rates of skin cancer around the nation.

About Lauren Greenberg, MD

A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School and trained at Stanford University, Dr. Greenberg is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Palo Alto, San Jose, and Bay Area of California. In addition to participating in a number of charitable programs, she is also the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Patient's Choice Award for California's Favorite Physicians five times in a row. She is also an active member of several esteemed medical organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). She is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Dr. Greenberg and her practice, please visit laurengreenbergmd.com and facebook.com/laurengreenbergmd.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: https://www.laurengreenbergmd.com/news-room/palo-alto-plastic-surgeon-reveals-alternative-methods-of-sun-protection