Whether you’re at the ocean, pool or lakeside at the Loeb Boathouse, when the summer heat is at its peak, it’s hard to top a day near the water. There’s nothing better than sunny skies, cool breezes and Instagram-worthy views. But when you pack up your gear for the day (don’t forget that perfect beach read and an icy drink!) and head into the rays, remember to bring along your sunscreen and other protective gear to avoid sun damage.
Amid the fun and games on the water, it’s important to remember that sun damage is very real and very serious and too much exposure can lead to conditions including skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Keep in mind that all skin is naturally delicate, and certain factors, including nutrition and medications, can increase sun sensitivity in individuals. Of course, there are precautions for keeping skin safe–meaning you don’t have to hide indoors 24/7. Sunscreen, hats and protective layers of clothing are helpful, as is avoiding exposure during midday.
But not all prevention is fool-proof. A recent article in The New York Times highlighted the startling findings of a Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology study, which found, among other things, that many people don’t understand the meaning of S.P.F. ratings in sunscreen. The article also noted that those who do use sunscreen sometimes don’t use enough to “achieve the level of protection measured in the laboratory, and few reapply it often enough.” Now that’s scary!
The bottom line is that some sun damage, including aesthetic blemishes, is unavoidable — especially if you spend a significant amount of time outdoors or made sun safety mishaps in years past.
If fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure are a reality, you might want to consider cosmetic procedures. One familiar option is Botox, which can give a more youthful appearance without surgery. For years, people have raved about the injection’s benefits, including the reduction of eyebrow and forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet, which can appear with age for many reasons — including years in the sun. Our clients love to see the facial improvements that come with Botox, which can make them look 10 years younger in just 10 minutes.
Fractora is another hot treatment. It gives patients amazing results by using RF energy to heat deep layers of the skin. You’ll see a change after just one session, but skin quality continues to improve for up to three months after the procedure. Commonly treated areas include the eyelids, forehead, cheeks, mouth, neck, and smile lines.
Chemical peels are also a popular option for fighting fine lines and wrinkles–and they can also combat age spots and hyperpigmentation. Our Perfect Derma Peel takes 15 minutes and is virtually painless. We recommend two to four treatments per year for best results. Similarly, our VI Peel improves skin tone, texture and clarity with no skin prep and little downtime.
When you’re out in the sun, it’s ideal to keep protected with hats, cover ups, shade and correctly applied sunscreen, but if you’re late to the safety game, you don’t have to deal with self-esteem-harming sun damage. Call or visit us to chat about your treatment options.
