As summer approaches, that means longer days and more time in the sun. While summer can be an eventful time of year filled with sports, pool parties, and relaxing outdoors, it’s important to remember to practice sun safety when doing so. That golden bronzed appearance may look great now, but the long-term effects of sun exposure aren’t as pretty.
The Negative Impact Sun Exposure Can Have
Nearly 5-million Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every single year. Although most skin cancer is treatable when caught early, it’s still a life-threatening concern. The good news is, skin cancer is easily preventable with sun-safe habits. Protecting sun-exposed areas on your body can keep you living a longer, happier life.
Aside from cancer, too much sun exposure can cause us to age much more rapidly than we’d like. Fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and textural problems can start to appear just 20-years after the damage has been done. Getting lots of sun early on in life can mean problems down the line.
Start Sun-Safe Habits this Summer
Wearing protective clothing is a great start towards preventing the adverse effects of sun exposure. Even on unsuspecting cloudy days, the sun can penetrate enough to do a significant amount of damage to your skin.
Of course, we understand it’s impossible to hide every inch of your skin from getting any sun. That’s why we recommend using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen all year long. Sunscreens are designed to absorb harmful rays before they can reach the skin. But remember, to be effective, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours when in direct sun.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for You
Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD offers a variety of sunscreens to suit almost any lifestyle. In fact, some are even designed to repair dull, damaged skin while keeping you protected. Others are nicely tinted allowing you to get a skin-kissed look without worrying about exposing your skin to damaging UV-rays.
During your in-person consultation, our licensed aestheticians will help determine which type of skincare products, including sunscreen, are best for your individual needs. They’ll work with you to ensure you know the proper methods for maximizing each product. Keep your skin happy and healthy for years to come.
If you would like to learn more about our medical-grade sunscreens, simply fill out the contact form on this page to schedule a consultation, or call 865-671-3888.