Be cool now so you can look cool later. In 2009, more than 17 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and facelifts are some of the expensive procedures performed to erase aging. What is the number one cause of crow’s feet, drooping jowls, forehead wrinkles, and premature aging in general? Simple and preventable sun exposure!
“I wish I knew about the lasting effects of sun damage when I was younger” is a familiar refrain heard these days as more and more men and women undergo plastic surgery to correct sun damage inflicted over the years. that pass under the sun Sun ravages occur over a long period of time, so many people are just beginning to see what it has cost them and will cost them years in the sun without sun protection.
The harmful rays of the sun speed up the aging process like nothing else. Damage reversal can really only be achieved through plastic surgery. If people stay out of the sun or at least protect their skin, trips to a plastic surgeon later in life could be avoided. And, post-surgery and dermatology procedures will last longer and won’t scare as easily by practicing reasonable sun protection.
So let’s talk solar safety…
When you think sunscreen, think “Ultimate Line of Sun Protection.” Sunscreen is much less protective against UV rays than a physical blocker such as SPF cloth, a wide-brimmed sun hat, or being in the shade. However, it is an important everyday protective measure to use when a physical barrier is not practical. To achieve the best sun protection with sunscreen, it helps to have some experience with UV radiation.
For starters, the sun radiates two types of ultraviolet rays that cause sun damage. The first, UVA, penetrates deeper into the skin. The intensity of UVA rays is constant throughout the day and throughout the year. The second, UVB, is called the sunburn ray. UVB rays target the top layer of the skin and their strength depends on the time of day (with noon being the strongest) and the time of the season (summer being the strongest). Another fact to keep in mind is that the SPF rating on a sunscreen indicates how well the product blocks UVB rays, not the longer-wavelength UVA. Unless the sunscreen contains UVA protectants, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, people may think they are well protected by using a high SPF sunscreen. And, since UVA rays take time to cause sunburn, damage can happen without you even knowing it.
More on UVA protection – There are three ingredients that will protect against UVA radiation: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone. Avobenzone, which is included in many sunscreens, is the least effective of the three. It must be combined with other ingredients to get results and it breaks down in sunlight. Zinc oxide provides the broadest sun protection that reflects both UVA and UVB rays. And, because it’s not absorbed into the skin, it won’t irritate or cause adverse reactions. Sunscreens containing higher concentrations of zinc oxide, such as 20% zinc oxide, have been shown to be especially helpful for people who are extremely sensitive to the sun.
As we mentioned earlier, using a physical sunscreen, such as protective sun clothing, a sun hat, or being in the shade, provides the most effective sun protection you can do. Since no sunscreen will completely block the sun’s rays, it’s important to include physical sun protection measures in your daily routine. Protecting the face and neck is essential to keep the skin free from sun damage. Hats with a downward-sloping brim of at least 4 inches are recommended to protect the face. Hats with larger brims and legionnaire-style hats also shade the neck and face. Sun hoods and face shades are some unique products developed to offer a physical barrier against the sun’s UV rays. And, don’t forget to wear sunglasses. Sunglasses provide a physical sunscreen to reduce squinting and protect the crow’s feet area, especially if you wear glasses with wide ear temples.
As time goes on, more and more people are finding that the easiest and most cost-effective way to maintain a youthful appearance is to make sun protection a part of their daily lives. So put on sunscreen and put on that wide-brimmed hat. Pay for sun protection now, won’t pay for plastic surgery later.
