May 2026 Newsletter: Sun! Our Best Friend and Our Worst Enemy

May 2026 newsletter from Dr. Tina Zofakis.

Summer is around the corner, and we will be spending a great amount of our daily lives outdoors. Now is a good time to go over some basic rules to protect our skin from overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun.

Four simple rules for sun protection

• Wear long sleeves and long pants. Not the clothing you wear during the colder months, but light, airy, preferably cotton pieces that protect you from the sun and keep you cool while you go about your day.
• Sunscreen SPF 40 or above. Being tanned does not have to be harmful. You will still get the color, but at the same time you are protecting your skin.
• Stay out of the sun. When the weather presenter says it will be 99 degrees, that is in the shade. Fully exposed to the sun at that temperature, you are looking at more like 150 degrees. Can you imagine your skin exposed to that kind of heat? If you find shade, run towards it!
• Sunglasses and hats. Here is your chance to combine style and protection. Choose sunglasses with polarized lenses for UV protection. A hat is a must: it keeps your head cool and protects you from heat stroke.

Take care of your skin this summer, and reach out if you have any questions about sun damage, skin checks or treatment options.

With gratitude,
Dr. Tina Zofakis, M.D.