Summer is approaching. Is your skin ready?
As the first hot sunny weekend of 2009 comes to an end, I’m reminded of countless patients with skin cancer and sun damaged skin that I’ve treated. It is really never to soon to start taking care of your skin. The damage from the sun is truly cumulative, no matter your skin type, and even young people need to avoid excessive sun exposure early on. The tell-tale signs of sun damage to the face are rough skin, dark pigmented spots, and in general uneven blotchy skin discoloration.
Ideally, we should all use some sort of sunblock on our face every day to prevent this. There are different types of sun block; those that block the UV rays via mechanical or via chemical properties. Mechanical type sunblocks (using Zinc Oxide) are easier on the skin, a little more appropriate for daily use, and are less oily and over which it is easier to apply makeup. There are several excellent sunblocks for this use, and our office can help to provide these if you are in need.
If you are a little behind on UV prevention, and have already accumulated sun damage, this can be reversed. There are several good skin care regimens that excel in creating a more uniform skin color, removing “sun spots”, and creating smoother feeling and appearing skin. In addition, laser or chemical resurfacing can help you get a jump start in reversing this damage in appropriate patients. Drop by for a consult and get your skin back on track.