Protect and correct
It's that time of year... sunscreen time! Summer is clearly on its way. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time getting my teenage daughter to remember or even to care about applying sunscreen. I too am guilty of not re-applying when I'm out in the sun for long periods of time.
We underestimate the damage the sun can do to our skin. Sun exposure causes most of the wrinkles and sun spots on our skin. Here is something to think about to help you remember to wear sunscreen: a 40-year-old who has protected her skin against UV radiation damage actually would have the skin of a 30-year-old. The sad fact is, most people haven't done this and can even look older than they are because of repeated episodes of sun damage.
Not only does the sun age us, it actually causes our skin cells to mutate and alters the actual DNA in the skin cells. This DNA is passed on to new cells, thus beginning the steps toward cancer. If you have ever been sunburned, you have increased your risk for skin cancer 200 percent. If you have already done the damage, it's not too late for you. There are great products out there to help repair sun damaged skin. One of those products is antioxidants. Not only do antioxidants help reverse signs of aging, they help prevent further damage by helping your skin cells stay healthy and stable, which in turn prevents skin cancer and restores youthfulness.
So if you want to be outdoors, remember that the future of your skin is dependent on how you care for it. A sun kissed glow is short term, but you have to live with the resulting damage for the rest of your life! When it comes to your skin, love it, care for it, and protect it!
What sun does to your skin:
* Changes texture
* Thickens it
* Makes tiny blood vessels visible
* Turns it course and rough
* Makes it bumpy
* Causes dark spots on face and hands
* Causes crusty lumps on hands
* Causes white spots on legs
* Creates wrinkles by destroying elastin
Sunscreen is the first line of defense against skin cancer and for beautiful skin, with antioxidants being the second line of defense. We are running a special for the month of May: buy an antioxidant and receive a free sunscreen, a $30 value.
Owsley Plastic Surgery is proud to have Kaarene Parker RN, BSN, as our Skin Care and Laser Consultant. She graduated third in her nursing class from WSU and has been trained on the line of SkinCeutical chemical peel products. She is known for her expertise in skincare and rejuvenation. Let Kaarene help you with your skin and aging needs!