With summer in full swing and the Miami sun shining bright, South Floridians are tanning, swimming and social distancing outdoors. The heat is hitting record levels and and those worried about Covid-19 may forget to take proper sun exposure precautions – making them at risk for aging, skin cancer, sunburn and sun poisoning. To discuss how to stay safe while catching some rays this summer, SocialMiami’s Cristina Mas spoke to Dr. Juan Remos, Chief Medical Advisor with Coral Gables’ Gentera Med.

Can you explain the difference between UVA and UVB rays? Are both dangerous?
Both are types of ultraviolet radiation. UVA radiation penetrates deeply into the skin, indirectly contributing to skin cancer by mutating the DNA. UVB radation, on the other hand, causes sunburn and therefore direct DNA damage, promoting various skin cancers. Both types can damage collagen fibers, destroy Vitamin A in the skin, accelerate aging of the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancers.

Is there a correct way to apply sunscreen? Is there a minimum SPF Miamians should look for?
You should regularly use broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher when performing outdoor activities in Miami. Apply sunscreens 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, allowing the formation of a protective film on the skin. And then reapply at least every two hours. Because all sunscreens are washed off upon swimming or sweating, you’ll need to reapply after swimming even for products labeled “water-resistant”.

Are there any health benefits of the sun? What about getting enough Vitamin D?
The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply; most Vitamin D deficiency cases are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure. I have measured Vitamin D levels in my patients in Miami for more than 20 years, and surprisingly more than 90 percent have low or near low Vitamin D levels missing a crucial factor to a healthy immune system and osteoporosis prevention.

How can one achieve/maintain the famous “Miami Glow” without excessive sun exposure?
Medical science offers the possibility to stimulate melanocytes, the cells in charge of tanning, without the risks of staying under the sun. Peptides, and in this case, Neuropeptides, are short-chain proteins that have identical structure and properties to the ones synthesized by the body. We currently have three we use at Gentera for attaining a natural tan stimulating your own melanocytes, precisely as the sun would do. You will do this treatment yourself at home, modifying the dose and frequency of these subcutaneous injections as you see your ideal tan intensity showing, knowing this is a safe, comfortable, practical, and healthy way to look your best. Within the first week, you will see the results.

Is it possible to reverse blemishes, scars, wrinkles and signs of aging?
Currently, we are recommending cell therapy—particularly exosomes, which are the main products of stem cells. In a cream form, we use a simple procedure to apply them to the skin. It takes just two sessions for your own cells to repair, regenerate, and produce your own collagen and elastin.