As Summer approaches, our lifestyles change to activities outdoors. We become more conscientious of wearing bathing suits and more revealing clothing. Keith Jeffords, MD, of Paramount Plastic Surgery in Smyrna, states that the Winter and Spring months are the time for having liposuction, breast surgery, tummy tucks, and facelifts for upcoming social and outdoor events. "It takes time for the scars to fade", states Dr. Jeffords. "Having surgery now will give you time to recover and have beautiful results for the hot months ahead".
We often forget our skin during outdoor activities. While being in the sunshine is fun, sunrays affect our skin and long-term appearance. Taking care of your body is a life long commitment. Protecting your skin is vital to prevention of premature wrinkling.
The most important component to aging is skin care. As we age, our skin gets thinner and lighter in color. This results in wrinkles. There are ways to keep your skin healthier and thicker. Aging gracefully is about taking care of your skin at an early age.
Many factors contribute to skin appearance. Genetics obviously influence your skin. Use of tobacco products will age you. Nicotine reduces the amount of blood flow to skin. Excessive sun exposure over a lifetime can cause rough, saggy, wrinkled and discolored skin. 90% of skin damage comes from UV rays. Also, 90 % of skin cancers are on exposed body regions like the face, neck, arms, and hands.
Did you know that 50% of damage to your skin occurs before the age of 18?
This fact reminds parents to place sunscreen on children several times a day while outside. We should limit our average sun exposure to 3 hours per day. UV radiation is strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM. If outdoors, wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher. Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Everyone should routinely wear waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15).
The most abundant substance in skin is water. Skin needs moisture and protective creams hydrate and retain this water in your skin. Good nutrition is also important. Controlling your weight can affect the way you age. Anti- oxidants have been shown to limit skin damage caused by UV radiation and smoking. Vitamins E and C, along with selenium, can give you healthier skin.
There are many different skin care regimens available depending on each individual's needs. These products include such additives as Retin-A, topical Vitamin C and glycolic acids (which tighten your skin and reduce wrinkles). Bleaching creams, with Hydroquinone and Kojic Acids, can be used to reduce "age spots".
For those who wish to “turn back the hands of time” much quicker, lasers offer a treatment. Laser results can then be maintained with skin care regimens. Laser services include Laser Peels, Chemical Peels, Collagen Rejuvenation Lasers, Laser Vein Removal, Rosacea Treatments, Broad Band Light Treatments (to eradicate sun and age spots) , and Laser Hair Reduction
BOTOX can limit selected facial muscle usage to reduce wrinkles of the forehead and crow's feet. BOTOX will reduce those “squinting” lines. There are injectable wrinkle fillers that will also diminish deep wrinkles. Filler products such as Restylane and Juvederm have been recently FDA approved for such applications replacing other outdated treatments like Collagen and injected fat.
"Plastic Surgery is really building more self esteem", states Dr. Jeffords, Feeling comfortable with your body and protecting your skin is important. Enjoy the sun while respecting your body’s limitations. Head into Spring and Summer with smart preparation for your body and skin.