Protecting your skin from the sun this summer is important for maintaining your health and appearance. Sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer.
According to Dr. Iza Encarnacion, a Board-certified dermatologist from The Medical City Ortigas, to protect your skin from the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours. Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your skin healthy.
“Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is enough to give your skin its needed protection, re-apply often, like two to four hours after your first application. Also, avoid the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the UV rays are strongest. But if you need to be out in the sun, wear a hat and sunglasses as added protection,” Encarnacion told Manila Standard Life in an exclusive interview.
She added that sunscreen must be applied on all parts of our face, including the neck and tips of the ears, to ensure protection from the sun and avoid concerns such as sunburn.
Aside from sunburn and miliaria, the heat, and prickly rash caused by the summer heat (known as bungang araw by Filipinos), another skin concern we need to steer away from is fungal infections.
“When looking for sun protection, we must ensure that the sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection. UVA causes early development of wrinkles and premature aging while UVB causes sunburn and hyperpigmentation, such as melasma, of our skin,” Encarnacion carried on.
The published dermatologist also said that fungal infections are rampant during summer because this is the time that most people get sweaty because of the heat.
“Fungi thrive in sweaty areas, which causes a lot of discomfort to people. Based on my experience, during the summer, there could be flare-ups of other skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis,” she stated.
What’s the key to better skin this summer?
According to Encarnacion, the key to having better skin is preventive measures, including a healthy and balanced diet, and sun protection. She said we must always apply sunscreen and/or wear sun-protective clothing to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
When it comes to our skin conditions and concerns, we must not hesitate to consult a Board-certified dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatments. As per Encarnacion, proper diagnosis is essential and may help us to save time and money.
The power of teledermatology
Thanks to the rise of digital technology, people can do their consultations online. Encarnacion expresses her gratitude at how teledermatology helped her to reach her patients during the pandemic. She also advocates reaching and sharing skincare tips in far-fetched areas.
Encarnacion took medicine at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, her internship at The Medical City Ortigas and Ospital ng Makati, and spent her Dermatology residency at the East Avenue Medical Center under the guidance of Dr. Angela M. Lavadia and Dr. Elizabeth P. Prieto and its consultant staff, who honed her clinical eye in dermatologic disorders.
She also did her Medical Dermatology and Phototherapy Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City from 2019 to 2020. She did her Clinical Dermatology and Basic Research Fellowship at Osaka Metropolitan University from May to November 2022.
This led Encarnacion to pursue more education to enhance her knowledge and skills in dermatology.
Encarnacion strongly encourages everyone to visit Board-certified dermatologists as they have a broad scope of knowledge and expertise and can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications. They also have a wider range in treating medical and aesthetic procedures for patients.
Despite being relatively new to the practice of dermatology, Encarnacion has a lot to offer and is eager to cure as she has envisioned as a kinder student. “Beautifying one client at a time,” she provides the evolving needs of dermatology patients armed with her experience and outstanding achievements.
Even before her fellowships abroad, Encarnacion has been getting top-notch training and hands-on experiences here in the country. She worked with award-winning epidemiologist Dr. John Q. Wong who influenced her in the areas of research and public health.
Encarnacion is also part of the Philippine Dermatology Society, Photodermatology Subspeciality Group, and the Philippine Medical Association. She is also affiliated with Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium.
You may set an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Iza Encarnacion at The Medical City Ortigas MATI Room 1909, 19th floor from Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday; at East Avenue Medical Center – Department of Dermatology; The Skin Center on Thursdays; at Dr Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium – Department of Dermatology every Wednesday. She is also a part of other clinics such as AC Skin Health Shaw and Health Cube Shaw.
You may register through this link to book an appointment whether in-clinic or online or contact Julie Ann at 0906 409 3137 or at (02) 8 988 1000 local 5277. It is also recommended to book an appointment to be assured that you can be accommodated for the day.