Answers to Your Hair Care Questions: Can My Hair Have Sun Damage?

Here in Atlanta the often triple degree temperatures of June, July and August can be oppressive to say the least.  More than temperature discomfort, these conditions can also be very harmful to your skin and hair.  Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta we talk a lot about sun damage and the prevention of skin cancer, but what a lot of patients don’t understand is that your hair is also susceptible to photo damage.

Think about your wooden outdoor furniture:  if left unprotected out in the elements, it dries, cracks, and becomes grey, splintery, and worn looking.  Like wood, your hair is a protein-based material susceptible to damage of wind, water and sun. It’s especially important for patients with thinning hair or bald areas to be mindful of sun protection as the skin on the scalp is especially susceptible to sun burn.  If you anticipate being outdoors this summer, consider wearing a hat or cap (this protects you face and eyes from the sun too) or misting a spray sunscreen product over your hair.

To learn more about the hair research and hair restoration options at DAA’s Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research continue to read our blog and visit our website.

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Calling All Sun Bathers- Deadly Skin Cancer Rates Soar For Generation Of Baby Boomers

If you’ve read any of our past blogs, you’ve probably noticed how adamant the professionals at Dermatology Associates are about protecting your skin from sun exposure.  Hopefully readers will now heed their warnings- SunSmart, a UK based Skin Cancer research organization, has compiled findings which show that adults of the Baby Boomer generation are now five times more likely to develop Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) than previous generations.

The UK group attributes this trend to the rise in popularity of low-cost package vacations and the introduction of tanning beds in the 1970’s.  Baby Boomers, who as a group were in their 20’s and 30’s during this period, remember a culture where “burning before tanning” was the norm for everyone.  Even more astounding, the study also found that of the Baby Boomer cohort, men in their 60’s and 70’s were seven times more likely to develop Melanoma than men of the same age 30 years ago.

The most important thing to remember about sun damage is that it is preventable.  Wearing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your complexion (no lower than SPF 15) and remembering to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while outdoors are imperative.  The information from this study isn’t just a call to Baby Boomers, this trend could very easily repeat itself with Generation X, Y, and Z’ers if proper preventative sun protection is ignored.

If you have a fair complexion with light hair, light eyes, freckles, or have lots of moles you are naturally more susceptible to sun damage.  If you have a history of sunburn you are also at an increased risk for developing Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.  So, when it comes to sun exposure remember- lather with sunscreen and repeat!

To learn more about preventative skin care or to schedule a consultation with one of Dermatology Associate’s professionals, visit our website or call (404) 256-4457.

Tags: Baby Boomer, dermatology, dermatology associates of atlanta, dr edmond griffin, Melanoma, Skin Cancer, Sun Damagae, sun damage prevention, sun screen, tanning bed damage