Skin care and sunscreen questions answered by Dr. John Stover
Posted on Fri, May 06, 2011
Dr. Stover and his staff occasionally answer skin care questions from fans of the Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii Facebook Page. Here are two recent questions. The first is a facial skin care question from Michael T. who asks:
"I had to moisturize my face when on the mainland. Don't seem to need it here on the Big Island. Why is that?"
Michael, it has to do with the humidity. Hawaii ranges 
between 60-100% humidity (moisture in the air). The mainland, especially areas near the dessert, can commonly be as low as 0%. Thus, the dry air will make the water in one's skin evaporate more readily requiring us to apply more moisturizer. Humid air like in Hawaii, will have less of an evaporative effect. In fact, the humid air can make our skin feel "sticky" – not from sweat but from the moisture in the air that settles on our skin.
The second question comes from Kami C. who wants to know more about the controversy over: "Sunscreen vs. vitamin D deficiency...."
Background
The body needs sunlight in order to produce vitamin D, an important nutrient. But a few studies have found that 
sunscreen limits the production of Vitamin D. Other recent studies say that yes, sunscreen does hamper Vitamin D production, but not enough to cause a deficiency. So what is the bottom line?
Supplements not more sunshine are the way to go
Kami, as far as Vitamin D, in Hawaii, we get more than the recommended 10-15 min/day by driving, sitting near an open window, or getting in/out of cars. If someone insists on getting more, I recommend getting it on areas that are not usually sun exposed on a daily basis (abdomen, legs) since the face, lower arms and neckline get sun daily. If you are vitamin D deficient, taking Vitamin D supplements is recommend over getting sun exposure.
What about darker skin?
It is true that darker skin patients will absorb less vitamin D
than fairer skinned patients. However, in Hawaii, the UV index is much stronger and we tend to spend more time outdoors and with less clothing year round compared to any other state on the continental US. If someone is worried about vitamin D, it is always safer to take a supplement such as that found in Calcium supplements rather than increasing the time spent in the sun. There is no sunscreen that is 100% and in fact, it is no where close. So, even with sunscreen, we are getting UV radiation and stimulating Vitamin D production in our bodies.
By Marné CarMichael Walsh, M.S., PA-C
Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii
At the Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii, Ms. CarMichael Walsh, a certified physician assistant, supports Dr. Stover in diagnosing and treating a variety of skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, moles, warts, skin tags and skin rashes. To schedule a general skin exam, which includes a thorough examination of the skin and recommended treatment options, contact Dr. Stover's office for an appointment.
Protect yourself! Schedule your full-body skin check today. You'll be glad you did.