Summer NewsletterWelcome to our summer newsletter! This month we bring you updates on Dr. Enzer, tips on how to choose a sunscreen, and more. Dive in and enjoy!

What’s New With Dr. Enzer

The past few months have been very busy for Dr. Enzer. For the month of May he was the lead oculo-facial trauma surgeon at Rhode Island Hospital, the busiest emergency room in New England. This meant many surgeries in the middle of the night and on weekends to help those injured in Rhode Island and Southern New England. Many patients were transferred from other hospitals, as their injuries were too complex. One such victim was a child who was attacked by a pit bull dog, resulting in numerous facial lacerations, the loss of a large portion of the side of his scalp, and very complex eyelid and tear duct trauma. After hours of surgery, the young boy did very well and Dr. Enzer states, “I expect he will have an excellent cosmetic result and should have full return of his eye and eyelid function.”

In addition to his busy practice, Dr. Enzer has been very active with his research. He recently completed a study on a new technique for injecting neuromodulators (i.e., Botox and Dysport), and submitted his project with the help of a resident in Dermatology at Brown University for consideration of publication in a much esteemed medical journal. He also plans to teach his technique at several international meetings in the next year.

At the annual Brown University Ophthalmology research forum held June 8, 2012, Dr. Enzer presented three other projects that he collaborated on with some of the residents. There were only ten projects presented in total, and thus Dr. Enzer was honored that so many of his studies were selected. Most will continue on for publication or further larger studies. The three projects were:

  1. A novel use of Ketoconazole 2% shampoo in the management of seborrheic blepharitis.
  2. Soft tissue perineurioma of the lacrimal gland – the first case ever reported.
  3. Topical chemotherapy in the management of ocular surface and eyelid neoplasms.

Now the summer has arrived and Dr. Enzer is looking forward to a few quiet months of reading by the pool (in the shade), and other outdoor activities before getting busy again in the fall with his extra-curricular work.

Decoding the Secrets of Sunscreen

Many of our patients have questions when it comes to sunscreen. Which one should I choose? What kind of sunscreen is best? How should I apply sunscreen? Read on to hear our answers to these common sunscreen questions so you’ll be prepared next time you find yourself wandering the sunscreen aisle.

How do I choose a sunscreen?
First, check the label to see what its active ingredients are. We recommend choosing a sunscreen with titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide listed as its active ingredients. These ingredients, which are oftentimes called “physical ingredients,” block UVA and UVB rays from damaging your skin by acting like millions of tiny mirrors that physically reflect ultraviolet light. Sunscreens with these physical ingredients provide better sun protection than sunscreens with chemical ingredients.

You should also choose a sunscreen that is compatible with your skin type and won’t cause breakouts, rashes, or dryness. There is no set formula to figure out what will irritate your skin, so it may be a process of trial and error. However, if you have sensitive skin, we recommend choosing physical sunscreens (those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) and staying away from para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-based sunscreens, or sunscreen with alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives.

Lastly, choose a sunscreen that is cosmetically elegant. If your sunscreen leaves an oily film or white cast on your skin, you will be less likely to use it. Make sure you like how your sunscreen looks, smells, and feels so you will want to put it on every day!

How much sunscreen do I need?
Here’s our easy rule of thumb: use a full teaspoon for your face and a full shot glass for your body.

What is the difference between the sunscreen I buy over-the-counter and the one I buy in a doctor’s office?
Over-the-counter sunscreens tend to have the right ingredients, just not as high a percentage of them as you would get from a doctor’s office sunscreen. Your sunscreen should have a high percentage of quality active ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, to provide the best protection.

My makeup says it has sunscreen in it. Is that enough?
Makeup with sunscreen in it can be good for everyday use if you spend most of your day indoors. However, if you’re going to be outside for more than fifteen minutes, you should be applying sunscreen first, and then putting your makeup over it.

Can my sunscreen double as a moisturizer?
Some sunscreens can do double duty if they are labeled as moisturizers with sunscreen in them. However, if your moisturizer does not have sunscreen in it, you will need to apply moisturizer and sunscreen separately so you can get optimum benefits from both. Never mix your moisturizer and sunscreen together as this actually reduces the SPF in your sunscreen and will compromise your sun protection.

What about water proof sunscreen?
There is no such thing as water proof sunscreen, only water resistant sunscreen. Due to new FDA regulations, sunscreens labeled “water resistant” will continue to be effective for up to 40 minutes in the water and “very water resistant” sunscreens last up to 80 minutes in the water. No matter what type of sunscreen you wear, you have to reapply it after going in the water.

What if I have rosacea or sensitive skin?
Start with a physical sunscreen, as these are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

More sunscreen tips:

  • Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen before using it. Expiration dates do matter when it comes to sunscreen!
  • When it comes to layering products, apply your moisturizer first, sunscreen second, and makeup third.
  • Most sunscreens are not appropriate for the delicate eye area. Sunglasses are your best protection against harmful radiation for this area.

Still looking for that perfect sunscreen? Feel free to call or stop by our office for our sunscreen recommendations.

Gilt City Vouchers

This summer, Enzer & Associates, PC will be participating in an exciting promotion for Restylane® through Gilt City, the popular online shopping destination for affluent consumers. From July 30, 2012 through August 13, 2012, vouchers for Restylane will be sold at discounted prices at www.GiltCity.com. You will be able to choose from either:

  • $100 towards a 1 mL Restylane treatment
  • $300 towards a 2 mL Restylane treatment

Please inform our staff of your voucher when you make an appointment, otherwise it may not be honored.

We hope you all have a safe, happy summer! Remember to wear your sunscreen, relax, and enjoy these summer months while they last. We’ll be back in a couple of months with more updates and information!

Sincerely,
Yoash Enzer, MD, FACS
Enzer & Associates, PC