212-644-4484 629 Park Avenue NYC info@nycdermatologist.com

Welcome
Contact Us
15 Minute Nose Job
New York Dermatology
About Us
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acne
Acne: Accutane
Acne Aestivalis
Acne: Antibiotics
Acne: Blue Light for Acne
Acne: Chloracne
Acne: Comedones
Acne Condition
Acne Cosmetica
Acne due to Medicines
Acne Excorie
Acne Facts
Acne Fulminans
Acne Glossary
Acne in Pregnancy
Acne in Teens
Acne: Inflammatory Lesions
Acne: Infantile
Acne Inversa
Acne: Isolaz Laser for Acne
Acne Keloidalis
Acne : Large Pores
Acne Management
Acne Medications
Acne Myths
Acne Necrotica
Acne Nodulocystic
Acne: Pimples
Acne Pomade
Acne: Psychological Effects
Acne Scars
Acne Scars: Dermabrasion
Acne Scar Treatments
Acne: Solar Comedones
Acne: Steroid
Acne: Stress
Acne Surgery
Acne Treatments
Acne: Trichostasis Spinulosa
Acne Urticata
Acne Vulgaris
Acrochordons
Actinic Keratosis
Age Spots
Aging Skin
Allergic Reactions
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata Treatment
Anal Warts
Angioma
Anti-Aging
Appointment
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis: Complications
Balding
Beautiful Skin
Board Certified Dermatologist
Botox
Botox Benefits
Botox Injections
Botox Therapy
Botox Treatments
Botox: Warnings
Broken Blood Vessels
Broken Capillaries
Brown Spots
Bullous Pemphigoid
Capillaries
Cellulite
Cheek Fillers
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels: Before and After
Chemical Peels: Sunspot Removal
Chemical Peels : TCA and Phenol
Chemical Peel Treatments
Cherry Angiomas
Chloasma
Clean Skin: Three Steps
Clear Light for Acne
Cold Sores
Collagen
Collagen Injections
Complexion
Condyloma Acuminata
Contact Dermatitis
Corticosteroids - Topical
Cosmelan
Cosmetics
Cosmetics: Oil Free
Cosmetics: Perfume Free
Crows Feet
Cryotherapy
Curettage and Cautery
Cyst Removal
Cystic Acne
Cysts
Dandruff
Dark Circles under the Eyes
Dark Spots
Dermabrasion
Dermatitis
Dermatofibroma
Dermatographism
Dermatology
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Diaper Dermatitis
Discoloration Face
Dry Skin
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dysplastic Nevus
Eczema
Eczema Treatment
Emollients
Epidermal Cyst
Ethnic Skin
Ethnic Skin: Acne
Ethnic Skin: Keloids
Ethnic Skin: Acne Procedures
Ethnic Skin: Razor Bumps in Black Men
Ethnic Skin Specialty Center
Eye Fillers
Eyelid Surgery
Eyes
Facial Lines and Wrinkles
Facial Redness
Fifteen Minute Nose Job
Fillers
Folliculitis
Fraxel Laser
Fraxel Laser Treatment
Freckles
Fungal Skin Infections
Genital Warts
Glycolic Acid Peel
Hair Dye Allergy
Hair Loss
Hair Loss Evaluation
Hair Loss: Male
Hair Loss: Female
Hair pieces and Wigs
Hair Rejuvenation
Hair Transplants
Hand Rejuvenation
Hemangiomas
Herpes
Herpes Zoster
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hives
HPV
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperpigmentation
Impetigo
Ingrown Hairs
Insect Bites and Stings
Injectables
IPL
Jock Itch
Juvederm
Juvederm Treatment
Keloid
Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
Keloid of the Earlobes
Keratosis Pilaris
Laser Eyelid Surgery
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Resurfacing
Laser Resurfacing: Full Face
Lasers for Psoriasis
Lasers
Lasers in Dermatology
Laser Skin Beautification
Laser Treatments for red and raised scars, leg veins, rosacea, and persistent facial flushing
Laser: V- Beam Laser Treatment
Latisse
Leg Vein Treatments
Lip Augmentation
Lip Enhancement
Lip Fillers
Lip Lift
Lip Rejuvenation
Lips
Lipoma
Lupus Erythematosus
Luscious Lips
Lyme Disease
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Map/Directions
Media
Melanoma
Melasma
Mohs Surgery
Moisturizers
Mole Removal
Moles
Molluscum Contagiosum
Nail Disorders
Non-Surgical Eyelift
Non-Surgical Face Lift
Non-Surgical Nose Job
Non-Surgical Nose Job Treatment
Nummular eczema
Obagi Blue Peel
Perlane
Perlane Injectons
Pearly Penile Papules
Photoaging of the Skin
Photodynamic Therapy
Photofacial
Photo Rejuvenation
Photo Rejuvenation for Men
Pimples
Pityriasis Rosea
Poison Ivy
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Procedures
Promo Tour
Propecia
Psoriasis
Psoriasis: Arthritis
Psoriasis: Erythrodermic
Psoriasis: Guttate
Psoriasis: Scalp
Publicity
Radiesse
Radiesse Injections
Rash
Razor Bumps
Razor Bump Treatments
Rectal Warts
Red Spots
Rejuvenation
Restylane
Restylane Injections
Restylane Treatments
Rhinophyma
Rhinoplasty
Ringworm
Rosacea
Rosacea Facts
Rosacea Treatments
Scabies
Scars
Sclerotherapy
Sculptra
Sculptra Injections
Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Causes and Treatments
Seborrheic Keratosis
Self- Tanning Creams
Sitemap
Skin
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma
Skin Care
Skin Care Tips
Skin Doctor
Skin Grafting
Skin Growth
Skin: Self Examination
Skin Tags
Skin Tags: Before and After
Smoker's Lines
Soaps and Cleansers
Spider Veins
Spider Vein Removal
STDs
Stretch Marks
Stretch Marks: Before and After Photos
Sunbeds and Solaria
Sunburn
Sun Damaged Skin
Sun Protection
Sunscreens
Sweating
Tattoo Removal
Tattoo Removal Treatment
Teen Dermatology
Telangiectasias
Thermage
ThreadLift
Tinea Corporis
Tinea Versicolor
Titan
Torn Earlobe Repair
Upper East Side Dermatologist
Urticaria
Varicose Veins
Velasmooth
Venereal Wart
Verruca Vulgaris
Viral Warts
Vitiligo
Vitiligo Treatment
Warts
Wrinkles
Xanthelasma

DRGARYROTHFELD.jpg

PARK AVENUE DERMATOLOGY AND NON-SURGICAL REJUVENATION CENTER

Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld, Board-Certified Dermatologist
629 Park Avenue, New York City


The Art of Radiance

There are places in this city where time slows down. Noise softens, the pulse steadies, and what remains is clarity. That clarity lives at the intersection of medicine and artistry. Park Avenue Dermatology is such a place.

Here, under the direction of Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld, the science of the skin becomes a form of composition. Every face, every texture, every contour is a narrative written in light and biology. The purpose is not to chase youth but to rediscover it, to remind the skin of what it once knew by heart.

Within these rooms, modernity meets grace. Machines hum quietly beside marble and glass. Each instrument—laser, ultrasound, plasma, radiofrequency—is chosen not for novelty but for its ability to restore balance between structure and spirit. Dr. Rothfeld listens to the skin the way a composer listens to silence before the first note.

The face is a landscape. It carries the weather of our years, the brightness of our mornings, the fatigue of our battles, and the joy that softens every line when we laugh without calculation. His work honors all of it, preserving the beauty that comes from living rather than erasing life.


The Philosophy of Subtle Transformation

Perfection is never the goal. Harmony is. A well-placed filler, a measured pulse of light, or a gentle tightening beneath the surface are not acts of correction but of restoration. They do not fight time; they collaborate with it.

True rejuvenation does not shout. It whispers. It invites others to ask not what changed but why you seem so alive today.

At Park Avenue Dermatology this belief guides every treatment. Dr. Rothfeld’s approach unites science and soul. His patients are collaborators in the quiet art of renewal.


The Science of Modern Grace

The skin is an organ of memory. Every pore and vessel beneath the surface holds a record of one’s life. It is a map written by sun and wind, laughter and loss, seasons and inheritance.

Dr. Rothfeld sees each patient as an individual story, never as a case. Decades of study and clinical mastery meet intuition. Before any procedure begins, there is a conversation that listens more than it speaks.

He draws upon the most advanced techniques in modern dermatology:

  • Liquid Facelift – Hyaluronic sculpting that restores symmetry and volume while maintaining natural movement.

  • Ultrasound and Radiofrequency Therapy – Technologies that awaken collagen at its cellular foundation, helping the skin recall its own strength.

  • Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) – A method that dissolves unwanted fat through controlled cooling, revealing natural definition.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Growth factors from one’s own blood are reintroduced to spark cellular renewal.

Every procedure is both science and meditation. The environment feels more atelier than clinic. Lighting is warm, silence intentional, instruments precise. Patients leave not altered but refined, carrying forward a quiet astonishment that belongs entirely to them.


The Legacy of Expertise

For more than four decades Dr. Rothfeld has practiced medicine on Park Avenue, where excellence is not a pursuit or a boast but a standard. His career began when dermatology first began to merge with aesthetics. He proved that beauty and biology are not opposites but companions. Form and function share the same truth: one cannot exist fully without the other.

He has cared for artists, executives, athletes, and families who entrust their skin and their confidence to his skill. His work has appeared in major publications and has been quietly praised within discerning circles. Yet he remains guided by curiosity rather than fame. Every advancement in technology deepens his understanding of how skin heals, remembers, and transforms.

He is also a teacher at heart. Each consultation is a lesson in physiology, patience, and proportion. He explains how energy flows through tissue and how small corrections can realign an entire expression. There is humility in his mastery, a calm precision born of years spent studying the living architecture of the face.


The Aesthetic of Authenticity

In a world where faces often resemble their filters, Park Avenue Dermatology stands apart. Its mission is to protect individuality. The purpose is not to erase what makes you distinct but to refine it until it glows with health and harmony.

Each treatment, from laser resurfacing to microneedling, begins with one principle. The skin can renew itself when guided with expertise and care.

Fractional CO₂ lasers improve texture with accuracy and restraint. Intense Pulsed Light evens pigmentation and restores tone. Chemical Peels remove dullness and invite oxygen to the surface. Microneedling stimulates collagen and awakens the skin’s quiet resilience.

These are not cosmetic tricks. They are biological conversations taking place within the body’s most expressive organ. The result is authentic luminosity that cannot be hidden, even in winter light.


The Restoration of Identity

Hair carries memory as profoundly as the face does. It frames identity, signals vitality, and holds quiet emotional weight. For many people, losing it can feel like watching their reflection drift away. At Park Avenue Dermatology, the art of restoration is not simply about growing hair again. It is about reuniting someone with the version of themselves that felt whole.

Dr. Rothfeld approaches hair restoration with the same philosophy that guides every element of his work. He studies pattern, texture, and density, then listens carefully to the story behind the change. He knows that each patient’s relationship with appearance is deeply personal, shaped by history rather than vanity.

The methods he employs are guided by precision. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are performed with surgical care that values artistry as much as anatomy. Every follicle is handled like a living brushstroke, positioned to recreate natural flow and density. The goal is not simply coverage but authenticity.

Beyond surgery, non-invasive therapies such as PRP hair rejuvenation awaken dormant follicles through the body’s own growth factors. Microneedling for the scalp and low-level laser therapy enhance circulation and stimulate regeneration. Dr. Rothfeld often combines modalities, merging biology and design to achieve natural harmony.

The success of hair restoration is measured not in the number of grafts transplanted, but in how seamlessly one’s reflection feels restored. When patients run their hands through newly grown hair and smile instinctively, that moment completes the circle.


The Precision of Surgical Refinement

There are moments when the face requires more than surface renewal. Sometimes the underlying structure must be guided back to its natural symmetry. Surgery, when performed with restraint and mastery, becomes not an interruption but an act of restoration.

Dr. Rothfeld’s surgical philosophy is rooted in subtlety. He views the face as architecture, built from bone, muscle, and the delicate tension of skin. Every movement of the scalpel is measured against the geometry of proportion. He never aims to create a new person, only to reawaken the one already present.

Procedures such as the minimally invasive facelift return youthful definition through discreet incisions and advanced lifting techniques. Each stitch follows natural tension lines, allowing the skin to heal gracefully without visible sign of intervention.

The endoscopic brow lift brings light back to the eyes, creating openness where heaviness once lingered. Through refined access points hidden within the hairline, the brow rises not by force but by release.

In blepharoplasty, precision defines success. The eyes are sculpted, not stretched, and the outcome reflects attentiveness to emotion as much as anatomy. A well-performed eyelid surgery does not change expression; it restores clarity to it.

For those seeking balance across the body’s form, liposculpture and fat transfer provide harmony through the careful reallocation of one’s own tissue. This process redefines contour without distortion, merging surgical technique with aesthetic sensibility.

Recovery in Dr. Rothfeld’s practice is not simply physical. It is also psychological. The return to the mirror is gradual, unfolding like dawn light revealing familiar shapes. Patients find themselves looking not younger, but more at peace.


The Science of Texture and Renewal

Texture tells a story long before tone or contour. It holds the tactile history of the skin, the evidence of how sunlight, stress, and time have shaped it. Dr. Rothfeld’s mastery of skin rejuvenation lies in his ability to read this language and respond to it with both empathy and precision.

Within his treatment rooms, light and technology converge. He employs Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing to target deep lines and uneven texture. This technique creates micro-channels in the skin that prompt collagen to rebuild itself in perfect, ordered rhythm. The outcome is smoother, firmer, and radiant skin that reflects vitality rather than procedure.

For pigment irregularities and vascular changes, Intense Pulsed Light therapy serves as both illumination and correction. Broad-spectrum pulses reach beneath the surface, quieting redness and fading sun damage while restoring the even tone that defines youthful skin.

Chemical peels are tailored with almost bespoke precision. Each formulation considers thickness, oil production, and environmental history. The result is refinement without aggression, a slow revealing of clarity from within.

Microneedling completes this quartet of renewal. Through the deliberate creation of micro-injuries, the body is reminded of its capacity to repair and strengthen. It is not technology that performs the healing, but biology guided by expertise.

Post-treatment care is treated as part of the artistry. Soothing serums, oxygen therapy, and nutrient-rich formulations are applied with intent. Patients leave not with the feeling of medical procedure, but of transformation quietly beginning beneath the surface.


The Psychology of Beauty

Beauty is both seen and felt. It exists as much in the mind as on the skin. Dr. Rothfeld has long understood that aesthetic medicine is inseparable from psychology. Confidence does not come from perfection; it comes from congruence, from the alignment between how one feels and how one appears.

Many of his patients describe their treatments not as vanity but as renewal of spirit. A small correction in proportion can awaken forgotten ease. A clear complexion can rekindle self-assurance. When the mirror begins to reflect the truth one feels inside, something quiet but profound takes place.

Dr. Rothfeld often says that his work begins where medicine meets meaning. Every consultation is a dialogue about how a patient wishes to inhabit their own reflection. This sensitivity to emotion transforms each appointment into an act of understanding. The treatments heal not only the skin but the self that lives beneath it.


The Architecture of Time

Time cannot be defeated, yet it can be persuaded. Its marks need not be erased; they can be softened, refined, and made luminous. Dr. Rothfeld’s philosophy treats aging as architecture rather than decay. He studies how gravity, muscle tone, and cellular rhythm interact, then uses science to realign rather than erase.

Collagen stimulation, vascular renewal, and cellular regeneration form the structural vocabulary of his work. Whether through ultrasound, radiofrequency, or biologically active injectables, each approach respects the natural architecture of the face. The result is not the illusion of youth but the presence of vitality.

Patients often say they do not look different, only restored to a moment when they felt most like themselves. That sensation, subtle yet unmistakable, is the signature of his practice.


The Invitation to Renewal

At Park Avenue Dermatology and Non-Surgical Rejuvenation Center, renewal is not a service but a philosophy. It is the art of aligning science with humanity, precision with poetry, and innovation with timeless care.

Every visit begins with conversation and ends with transformation. Patients step out onto Park Avenue with a feeling that transcends appearance. Their reflection moves with lightness, their skin breathes with confidence, and their presence speaks quietly of grace.

Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld and his team welcome those who seek more than treatment. They welcome those who seek understanding, artistry, and renewal.

For consultations and appointments, contact:
info@nycdermatologist.com






Dear Friends
 
Our goal at NYC Dermatology is to be the Tiffanys of Skin
Care. I personally see every new patient who visits our office. I am not just a physician, I am a Board Certified DermatologistMy goal is, quite simply, to provide the type of dermatologic care which I  would seek for my own family. This is a very important point, since physicans often use the phrase "Doctor's Doctor" to refer to those individuals who typically are selected by physicians themselves for personal care. I am confident that my practice fully meets that definition. This is the type of 5-star care and service that our patients expect, deserve and receive. I treat every patient the way I would want to be treated: with courtesy, dignity and respect. I carefully listen to their skin-care concerns and offer a variety of options including a treatment plan that I believe will give them the best results and the best dermatologist. We also support our patients with a very fine medical staff . Please take a moment to explore our top of the line winning website. My philosophy is simple…Experience Counts and Quality Matters. Please allow me to solve your skin problems.  After all, at NYC Dermatology , our philosophy is if you look great you will feel great with gorgeous skin.”
 
Best Regards,
 
Dr. Rothfeld
 

  
 
 

 Dr. Gary Rothfeld possesses the special knowledge, skills and professional capability that distinguishes him as an outstanding  Dermatologist in NYC , Manhattan , New York at NYC Dermatology by Board Certified Dermatologist. Top New York City Dermatologist, Dr. Rothfeld  in Manhattan treats the most difficult cases until the problem clears.  Dr. Rothfeld, a Board Certified Dermatologist at NYC Dermatology in Manhattan, New York is caring, detailed, and meticulous and will never give up until the problem is cleared.  Dr. Rothfeld, a board certified dermatologist in nyc who practices Dermatology in Manhattan, New York has treated many patients in the entertainment and music industry is caring, detailed and meticulous and will not give up until the condition resolves.  Dr. Rothfeld is recognized as one of the best Dermatologists in NYC by the entertainment industry.

NYC Dermatology is under the medical supervision of Dr. Gary Rothfeld, a Board Certified Dermatologist. 
To enhance every aspect of your skin care, Dr. Rothfeld has personally created a superb line of cosmetic procedures..

NYC Dermatology by Board Certified  Dermatologist Dr. Gary Rothfeld  is a board certified NYC  Dermatologist with a  New York City office in Manhattan, New York  providing expert skin care, dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology services.

A board certified dermatologist in NYC specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery including state-of-the-art cosmetic surgical procedures, Dr. Gary Rothfeld  is known for his attention to body symmetry and his dedication to meeting patients’ personal goals. His specialties include full body liposuction using the tumescent technique, facial fat transplantation, Botulinum injection into facial lines and laser resurfacing. NYC dermatology  specializes in chemical peels, vein injections, laser, restylane, Perlane, Botox injections, JUvederm, non-surgical facelifts, collagen implantation and treatment of skin cancer.
 
As an expert in the field of dermatology and cosmetic dermatologic surgery, Dr. Rothfeld is has appeared on national television shows. Dr. Rothfeld has also been quoted in many high profile national magazines.
Our goal at the manhattan office of Board Certified  Derrmatologist , Dr. Gary Rothfeld is to create an atmosphere of professionalism, trust and complete patient satisfaction at the NYC Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center in Manhattan, New York.  Dr. Rothfeld, Dermatology Director of NYC Dermatolgy is a Board Certified  Dermatologist at NYC Dermatology who has treated many patients in the  entertainment industry.
   Schedule an appointment at our office which provides top of the line  expert skin care, dermatology, cosmetic dermatology services, and advanced dermatology laser treatments for cosmetic needs and medical skin conditions. We offer a full range of services including surgery for skin cancer, laser hair removal, Botox®, the Fractionated Resurfacing laser, Titan laser, and acne photodynamic treatments. Our main goal is to provide you with the most effective and advanced treatment. Join the NYC Laser Center NYC Dermatology Mailing List Our periodic newsletters include exclusive offers, educational articles, as well as free treatment & product drawings! Email: nycdermatologist@aol.com in our Media  office and   including different offers and many more. We offer a variety of services from Botox® to Liposuction . Please contact us with any questions you may have or schedule an appointment online or by phone for a consultation.   Beauty Is Forever!  and Dr. Rothfeld  at NYC Dermatologist has over 20 years of experience with his beauty tips.  
.

During your office consultation  and examination you will be provided with a detailed plan of the treatments that will benefit you most.  NYC Laser Center NYC Dermatology top laser dermatology center offering skin care, dermatolgy,cosmetic dermatology services, and laser treatments for sun damaged skin, acne, acne scars, rosacea, pigmentation, laser hair removal, broken blood vessels, as well as superficial and deep wrinkles. We offer patients in Manhattan,  services including general dermatology, wrinkle fillers such as Restylane®, Captique,  Perlane,Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast, Radiance® (radiesse) and Sculptra. We also offer Botox®, Cosmelan, Velasmooth, Fotofacial, Titan laser, Refirme, and the Fractionated Resurfacing laser. in the treatment of acne, rosacea, skin cancer and  surgery.  Dr. Rothfeld has taught numerous other physicians on the proper use of Botox®, medical hair transplants, and lasers in  the country.   Acne Photodynamic Treatment - Botox® - Botox® for Hyperhidrosis - Cellulite - Cool Laser  - Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment - Glycolic Acid Peel - Fat Transfer - Fotofacial / IPL Fractionated Resurfacing Laser - Hair Loss - Laser Hair Removal - Liposuction -  - Surgery - Minimal Scar Technique -  Photodynamic Rejuvenation Radiance® - Restylane® - Sclerotherapy - Sculptra - Smoothbeam - Stretch Marks - SunFX - TCA Peel - Tattoo Removal - Titan Laser Facelift - V-beam Laser Treatments - Velasmooth Our cosmetic surgeon includes Dermatologist  Dr. Gary Rothfeld Board Certified Dermatologist  at NYC Dermatology.  Our NYC dermatologist offers advanced dermatology laser treatments for cosmetic needs and medical skin conditions. We offer our services to Manhattan , Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens locations through our Manhattan office in NYC

 

Sun Protection

 

Ultraviolet radiation is the major cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. It is important for everyone to be aware of its damaging effects and take measures to avoid overexposure.

 

Although many people enjoy the appearance of tanned skin and think it looks "healthy," tanned skin is damaged skin. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight penetrates the deepest layers of the skin where it harms the cells. The body responds by making more pigment (melanin) to try to protect itself, but the damage has already happened and may be permanent. The more exposure you have to the sun, the more likely you are to develop skin problems later in life.

Ultraviolet Radiation

The damaging part of sunlight is called ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays. It is categorized into three types:

  • UVC rays (wavelengths = 200 nm to 290 nm) are the shortest and most powerful of the UV rays. UVC is the most likely to cause cancer if it reaches skin. Fortunately, most of it is absorbed by the ozone layer in our atmosphere. However, there is concern that a thinning of the ozone layer may be causing more UVC to reach the earth's surface.
  • UVB rays (wavelengths = 290 nm to 320 nm) are less damaging than UVC, but more of it penetrates to the earth's surface. It is the most common cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVB is particularly strong at the equator, at high elevations, and during the summer.
  • UVA rays (wavelengths = 320 nm to 400 nm) are the least powerful of the UV rays, but they are present all year and can penetrate windows and clouds.

Sun Protection

The first and more effective way to avoid sun damage is to stay out of tthe sun as much as possible.

If you cannot avoid being exposed to sunlight, there are five basic defenses that you should keep in mind when you go outdoors:

  • Avoid peak hours of sunlight
  • Sunscreen
  • Clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Shade

Avoid Peak Hours of Sunlight (UV Index)

In general, UV rays are the greatest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is best to avoid the outdoors during these hours without protection, particularly during summer, in tropical regions, or at altitude. During this time, you should pay close attention to the appropriate use of sunscreen, clothing, sunglasses, and shade.

You can obtain an accurate measure of the amount of UV rays in your area by looking up the Ultraviolet (UV) Index. The UV Index is like a weather forecast. It provides a report on the amount of damaging UV rays that are expected to affect a region on a particular day. The UV Index changes day to day according to time of year, cloud cover, atmospheric ozone, and other factors.

The following table is a breakdown of the UV Index. A high UV Index number means that you are at greater risk of being exposed to ultraviolet radiation. You should take special care to avoid outdoor exposure to sunlight when the UV Index is moderate or greater.

  • 0 to 2 = Minimal
  • 3 to 4 = Low
  • 5 to 6 = Moderate
  • 7 to 9 = High
  • 10 or more = Very high

The UV Index can be found on our Website or in local papers, usually in the weather section.

Sunscreen

There are several factors to consider when selecting the right sunscreen. (See the Sunscreens handout for more information.)

Sun protection actor (SPF) - Sunscreens are rated by the amount of protection they provide from UVB, measured as the "sun protection factor" or SPF. Sunscreens with higher SPF provide greater protection from the sun. It is best to use sunscreens that offer a minimum SPF of 15.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens - It is best to use a sunscreen that can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. These are called "broad-spectrum" sunscreens. 
Most of the original sunscreens blocked only UVB, but increased awareness of the damage caused by UVA has lead to the development of ingredients that protect against UVA too. Broad-spectrum sunscreens combine ingredients to provide a product with greater protection.

Common sunscreen ingredients that  provide protection from UVB rays:

  • Cinnamates
  • Octocrylene
  • PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
  • Padimate O and Padimate A (Octyl Dimethyl PABA)
  • Salicylates

Common sunscreen ingredients that  provide protection from UVA rays:

  • Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
  • Benzophenones (oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, sulisobenzone)

Sunblocks - "Physical" sunscreen ingredients lie on top of the skin and work by reflecting or scattering UV radiation. They are particularly useful for people who are sensitive to the ingredients found in other sunscreens. Sunblocks often contain one or more of these ingredients:

  • Zinc oxide
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Iron oxide

Although past formulations were unsightly (often leaving a white film on the skin), newer "microfine" formulations are invisible after being applied. Microfine titanium dioxide is effective at protecting from both UVA and UVB rays.

Water resistance - Sunscreens are classified as "water-resistant" if they maintain their protection after two 20-minute immersions in water. They are classified as "waterproof" if they maintain their protection after four 20-minute immersions. You should seek a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen if you will be participating in water sports, such as swimming or water skiing, or will be actively sweating.

However, independent testing has shown many products do not perform well in the real world. So it remains a good idea to apply sunscreen every time you leave the water, or frequently if you are actively sweating.

Using a Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be applied evenly and liberally on all sun-exposed skin within 30 minutes before going outside to give sunscreen time to take effect. (Sunblocks are effective immediately after being applied.) Sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours or following swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply frequently at least every two hours.


The chemicals may lose effectiveness over time, so it is important to throw away sunscreen that is past its expiration date or is over two years old.


No sunscreen is 100% effective; take additional measures to avoid the damaging effects of the sun's rays.

Clothing

Clothing can provide excellent protection from the sun. However, not all clothing is protective. A thin, wet, white t-shirt will provide almost no protection from UV rays. When selecting clothes for sun protection, consider the following:

  • Cover your head, shoulders, arms, legs, and feet.
  • Use a hat that is broad-brimmed (brim should be at least four inches wide).
  • Wear fabrics that are thicker or with a tight weave; these allow less sunlight to penetrate the skin.
  • Wear darker-colored clothes that absorb more UV rays.
  • Wear clothing made from nylon or Dacron because it is more protective than cotton.
  • Avoid remaining in wet clothes because wet fabric may allow more UV rays to penetrate the skin.
  • Wash clothing with chemical absorbers to increase their protectiveness.
  • Some clothing comes with a UPF rating that stands for "Ultraviolet Protection Factor." This measures the ability of the fabric to block UV radiation from penetrating to the skin. A fabric with a UPF 15 allows only 1/15th (6.66%) of the UV radiation to penetrate your skin as compared to uncovered skin.

Garments fall into 3 categories:

  • Good protection: UPF = 15 to 24
  • Very good protection: UPF = 25 to 39
  • Excellent protection: UPF = 40 to 50+

Choose clothing with a UPF rating of at least 15. Keep in mind that the UPF of a garment will decrease over time as the fabric wears.

Sunglasses

Overexposure to sunlight can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness. Sunglasses can provide protection. However, not all sunglasses are of value. A darker lens itself does not guarantee protection. Look at the label to ensure that the glasses provide UV protection. Sunglasses should be large enough to shield your eyes from many angles. Look for sunglasses that are described as blocking 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB. The glasses may also be described as providing UV absorption up to 400 nm.

Shade

If possible, remain in the shade when outdoors. Keep in mind that shade does not provide full protection from the sun because UV rays can bounce off reflective surfaces, such as sand, snow, water, concrete, or even porch decks. In addition, some fabrics used as shade devices, such as parasols or umbrellas, may not provide sufficient protection. If you seek shade under a cloth, look for a fabric that is thick, tightly woven, and dark-colored.

Clear window glass provides protection from UVC and UVB, but not UVA rays. If you are frequently exposed to sunlight while driving, the plastic interleaf of your windshield (which prevents it from shattering) can help block the light, but side windows have no such protection. Non-drivers can make use of additional window shade devices. Drivers in some states may be able to use darkly-tinted glass in the side windows, but this is illegal in some states.

Summary

  • Avoid the sun when its UV rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Apply it 30 minutes prior to being exposed to the sun and reapply every two hours. Consider using a water-resistant sunscreen if you will be active (sweating) or in the water.
  • Use a sunblock on your lips.
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors.
  • Wear sunglasses.
  • Wear tightly woven, dark clothing to cover your arms, legs, and feet.
  • Stay in the shade when possible.
  • Avoid reflective surfaces, such as water or snow.
  • Avoid sunbathing.
  • Don't be fooled by cloudy days since damaging rays can penetrate clouds.

What's new Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map What's new What's new Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map Site map

amexsm.gifvisasm.gifmastercardsm.gifdiscoversm.gifdinersclub.gif


  •                                             
  •