SPF Sunscreen: Is Higher Better?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a numeric value displayed on sunscreen labels to indicate their ability to block out harmful sun rays.

A common misconception about SPFs is that the higher the SPF, the better the protection.
While there is some truth to this, it is not quite as simple.

As the SPF increases, so does the protection from harmful sun rays, however, once you reach SPF 50 or higher there is only a slight increase in protection.

For example, an SPF of 15 will block approximately 94% of sun rays.  An SPF of 30 will offer you additional protection of about 97%.  Once you reach SPF 50, you will get about a 98% blockage from harmful sun rays, which is only a minimal increase from SPF 30 with 97%.

Thus, increases in SPF are not directly proportional and will only result in a minimal amount of additional protection as the number increases.

Excessive sun exposure increases one’s risk of premature skin aging as well as skin cancer.

We recommend the following to decrease the above mentioned risks:
• Daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• If you are spending more than 2 hours outside, be sure to reapply your sunscreen.
        Repeat every 2 hours at least.
• Avoid spending too much time in the sun during the peak hours of sun intensity (10am-2pm).
• When outdoors, protect exposed skin with clothing and a hat

When choosing a sun protection product, there are many options such as sprays, lotions, gels, sunblock, sunscreen, and more!

While the majority of products will work well, consider the following when making your selection:
1) Sunblock versus Sunscreen: 
                  Both will protect you from the sun, but their mechanisms of action differ.
                  Sunscreens contain chemicals such as Oxybenzone and Avobenzone that filter some of the sun’s UV rays to protect your skin.
                 These chemicals breakdown when exposed to UV light and need to be reapplied every 2 hours at a minimum.

                  Sunblock, on the other hand, acts as a physical barrier by reflecting the sun’s rays, thus, blocking harmful sun rays.
                  Most sunblocks will contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
                  Sunblocks are not broken down by UV light and will last longer provided they are still covering the skin.

2) Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, we advise you to select a sunscreen that is fragrance free, oil free, and hypoallergenic.

3) Acne: If you have acne prone skin, we recommend selecting a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), fragrance free, and oil free sunscreen.

4) Asthmatic:  If you or your child has a history of asthma, we advise caution if using a spray as these could provoke an asthma attack!

Desperately desire a tanned look?  See our next blog on sunless tanners!

Vanessa Lelli DNP, FNP-C 
Bryan J. Michelow, MD, FACS

Breaking down the skin !

"Breaking Down the Skin" A Novel Approach to Treating Acne and Signs of Aging.

Gena O'Neill, Director of Aesthetic Skincare, is a medical licensed aesthetician with more than 14 years of experience in helping clients deal with the physical and emotional impact of acne and aging.

Committed to holistic practice, Gena's approach to skincare incorporates guidance on many levels. However, when it comes to acne and aging, Gena's gentle touch and tender care are rooted in an approach that often times means breaking down the skin and repairing it with product.

Acne and Aging, although positioned on two opposite sides of the spectrum, benefit from many similar techniques.

"Breaking down the skin" can refer to exfoliation with product, dermablading, peel or hydro-rejuvenation. These peel back years from the face and kill the spread of bacteria from acne.

After this completed, Gena will recommend a home care treatment plan to rebuild the skin using product.

Contact Gena at 216-595-6800
3733 Park East Drive, Suite 107
Beachwood,. Ohio, 44122

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Peels, Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning: Non invasive exfoliation

Techniques to combat the bad and ugly - and - make your skin feel good.

There are numerous non-invasive ways to exfoliate the skin ranging from a simple scrub at home to microdermabrasion an in-office procdure with no downtime. Dr. Michelow offers three techniques to slough off dead skin cells to promote collagen production, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles and addres acne. These techniques are microdermabrasion, peels and
dermaplaning.

While all three techniques offer glowing results, they address different skin conditions. Dr. Michelow's expert estheticians
will evaluate your skin and discuss your goals and then recommend techniques that will work best for you. While improvement in your skin's appearance may be immediate, you may acheive the most optimal results with a series of treatments and of course a proper skincare program at home.

Microdermabrasion: Dr. Michelow's estheticians offers crystal free mechanical microdermabrasion. A stainless diamond tipped steel wand is gently glides over your skin. Gentle suction draws up dead skin cells and polishes the skin. Our red light therapy included with treatment stimulates collagen production and is anti-bacterial to promote healing. There is no down time and no pain. Most clients experience a pleasant "tingle." This quick "lunchtime" procedure will leave your skin glowing. Service is finished with an application of sunscreen. There is little to any redness. There are many benefits to microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion can addresss stage one acne (black heads and comedones),
hyperpigmentation in clients of any color, signs of aging and photo damage and can treat minor and superficial scars.

Dermaplaning: May only be performed in a physicians office. A trained esthetician will slough off dead skin cells with a stainless razor tipped tool. It is appropriate for all patients beginning in the late 20s. Dermaplaning encourages the production of new cells, assists with the absoption of skincare products, removes minor wrinkles and improves skin texture.
It is effective with acne scaring. May be performed on clients of any skin of any color.

Mild Peels: Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and
acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the
skin's texture.

For more details, call Gena, Karli or Bryan at 216-595-6800

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