Sunning at the beach, watching a baseball game and enjoying a boat ride are activities good for our soul, however, not so much for our skin. As the weather starts to warm up and the sun starts to shine it is more important than ever to protect your skin. Although the damage may already exist, there are ways to start protecting yourself and help to minimize advanced signs of photoaging.
#1: Choose the Right Sunscreen
We recommend protecting your skin with a sunscreen of 50 SPF or higher. If your skin begins to burn after 10 minutes in the sun (typical in many cases), a 50 SPF sunscreen will provide 50x more protection, which amounts to protection for about 500 minutes, approximately 8 hours.
#2: Reapply Sunscreen Often
Even if your SPF protection should last up to 500 minutes, it is important to reapply sunscreen often, at a minimum of every 2 to 3 hours.
#3: Use a Hat
Wear a wide brim hat while outdoors. We recommend one that covers your face, shoulders, and back. Hey, you’re in luck! These hats are really fashionable right now!
#4: Utilize Smart Clothing
It is also wise to protect your skin with SPF clothing and cover areas that will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. For example, long sleeve fishing shirts, long dresses, and neck protectors can reduce your sun exposure.
#5: Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds and booths, even though they may be controlled, are still dangerous to the skin and can produce early signs of aging as well as increased risk of skin cancers. A spray tan may be a better option if you truly desire a sun-kissed glow.
Improving Preexisting Sun Damage
If you exhibit signs of sun damage or photoaging there are a few options that may turn back the clock.
- Chemical peels help to reduce hyperpigmented lesions, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- The Allergan® Lytera skincare line is aimed at treating hyperpigmented lesions to even skin tone.
- The LimeLight Facial™ is a noninvasive light treatment that can eliminate and/or reduce signs of sun damage and photoaging.
- CO2 laser or Pearl fractional laser treatments are effective, but a more invasive treatment for wrinkled skin.
These options are offered here at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, contact the office today and see which option is best for you.