The dreary, rainy weather of spring is finally passing into the bright, sunshiny days of summer. People are hitting the beach and enjoying barbecues, but before you grab the beach blankets and hot dogs, make sure to pack the sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas to protect from over-exposure to dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays ? which can cause significant skin damage and skin cancer. Dr. J. George Smith and Faces can help you and your family keep that damage to a minimum.
UV rays are emitted in two forms: UVA and UVB. UVA rays break down collagen and elastic fibers, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Both types of UV rays can lead to skin cancer. These rays are not specific to the sun; tanning beds emit the same dangerous rays.
To protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun?s rays, sunscreen is crucial.
?Many families are unaware of the seriousness of sun damage, so they underestimate the necessity of sunscreen and other protective measures,? said Dr. J. George Smith, founder of faces cosmetic surgery, laser and skincare clinic. ?The risk of skin damage is significantly increased in the summer months, so extra steps should be taken to prevent it.?
Tans are no different than sunburns in that they are still considered sun damage. There is no such thing as a ?healthy tan.? Tanning can even become addictive, which makes it an even more dangerous behavior. Though it may not be the popular choice, avoiding tanning beds and wearing sunscreen while exposed to the sun will greatly decrease the chances of becoming one of the more than 2 million people diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. each year.
There are two types of sunscreens: those which are organic and chemical-free, and those which are chemical, said Dr. Smith. Chemical-free sunscreens can be advantageous in that they do not absorb into skin, which is particularly beneficial for babies and children.
The team at faces recommends a few guidelines for protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays:
????Use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF (Sun Protection Factor), but if you have a family history of skin cancer or accelerated aging due to sun exposure, use 45 SPF.
????Always check expiration dates?old products lose their potency.
????Babies under 6 months old should not use chemical sunscreens.
????Zinc oxide is one of the preferred ingredients in a chemical-free sunscreen and is recommended for sensitive skin.
????Purchase products that are water ?resistant, as most summertime activities center around water.
????Wear comfortable protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses with UV-protection.
????Avoid the sun during the middle of the day (from about 10 a.m. ? 2 p.m.), when the rays are strongest.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research also has helpful tips for skin cancer prevention this summer, which can be found in a downloadable Summer Sun Protection Kit, available at http://www.nfcr.org/skincancerkit. Skin cancer affects more than 2 million people in the United States each year. Some of the tips include:
????If you are outdoors and your shadow is smaller than you are, it is best to seek shade.
????Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking may increase sun sensitivity
????Do regular skin checks to make sure there are no abnormal growths.
????Use sunscreen even on hazy days, as UV rays still penetrate in cloudy weather.
faces supplies high-quality sun protection products for all types of skin, including children and people with a history of skin cancer.
About Faces
Faces, based in Jackson, Miss., is a pioneering cosmetic clinic dedicated exclusively to care of the face and neck. Founded in 1998 by Dr. J. George Smith, a board certified facial plastic and head and neck surgeon, Faces is an innovator with a longstanding commitment to the science of facial cosmetic surgery and skincare. Through its highly skilled staff, trained in the latest techniques, Faces has sculpted a niche on the leading-edge of the facial cosmetics specialty, establishing a proven reputation for quality health care in Jackson, across the state and around the Southeast. Building strong relationships with each patient ? in a safe, cost-effective and professional atmosphere ? is a cornerstone of Faces. The clinic combines the relaxing features of a resort spa with the expertise of a noted surgeon dedicated to making lasting improvements.????Faces? compassionate care that is ?head and shoulders above.? For more information, please visit http://www.facesdr.com.
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