With offices in Cohasset and Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts' most innovative skin care and dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services to a vast clientele south of Boston.

South Shore Skin Center surveyed 48 women ranging from 17 to 70 years old and 2 men under 50 years old. Out of all the participants, only 22 used sunscreen on a daily basis, which raised concern among the dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center.

"With all the education and talk nowadays of sun damage -- from wrinkles to melanoma, it's surprising that there are so many people who don't believe in the necessity of using sunscreen," said Dr. Richard Eisen, founder of South Shore Skin Center.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays cause premature wrinkles as well as skin cancer with repeated and prolonged exposure. These rays are present even on cloudy days and exposed skin is left vulnerable without sunblock or sunscreen.

Many who took the survey were familiar with chemical peel treatments, alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid containing products, Botox and microdermabrasion, which are solutions used to improve the skin's appearance after the fact, but are not preventative like sunscreen or sunblock.

"This raises concern because the only prevention is the use of sunblock or sunscreen on a daily basis," explained Dr. Eisen. "There are many other products and treatments that may be used after sun damage has already occurred, but sunblock is really is the only preventative - the only way to protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays. It's important for people to realize that sunburn cells are associated with DNA mutations associated with skin cancer."

The dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center treat common skin problems such as acne and eczema as well as serious problems such as skin cancers. They diagnose and treat common and premalignant skin lesions as well as melanoma in children, teens and adults.

Interestingly, 80 percent of the women surveyed saw a physician for regular skin checks. Of the 80 percent, only 30 percent visited a dermatologist (a physician who specializes in skin care, disorders and diseases of the skin) for a skin exam. 20 percent were seen by their primary care physician and the remaining 30 percent visited plastic surgeons for skin exams.

According to Dr. Eisen, people of ALL ages should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or above that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This can be accomplished by using a moisturizer which contains sunscreen to ensure protection from UVA/UVB rays during the day.

South Shore Skin Center's Cosmetic Division offers the highest quality dermatologist tested and approved skin care products available, with product lines including MD Forte, SkinCeuticals, TxSystem(Afirm), Avage, Prevage and numerous physician recommended sunblocks.