Many of us look forward to soaking up those sunny rays as summer approaches. However, our team here at The Aesthetic Center at Woodholme wants to remind you of the importance of caring for your skin. This involves using sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
The Importance of Sunscreen
Whether you are beach-bound in Ocean City or strolling through the streets of Annapolis, sunscreen should be your skin’s best friend. Sunscreen acts as your skin’s shield against the harmful UV rays of the sun. It not only helps prevent skin diseases like skin cancer, but it also delays skin aging by protecting it against sun damage.
Maintaining Your Cosmetic Surgery Results
If you have invested your time and resources towards achieving your ideal aesthetic at a plastic surgery practice like The Aesthetic Center at Woodholme, it’s essential to apply sun protection regularly. The results of procedures like a facelift or skin resurfacing in Baltimore could be considerably compromised without adequate protection from harmful UV rays.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
While there are countless sunscreen brands available on the market, not all are created equal. For maximum protection, look for the keywords ‘Broad Spectrum,’ which means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. When you spend a significant amount of time outdoors, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 60 or higher.
Proper Sunscreen Application
Applying sunscreen isn’t just about slathering on some cream and calling it a day. For maximum protection, you should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after a swim or excessive sweating. Don’t forget often neglected areas like your ears, neck, and the back of your hands!
To protect your face, neck, arms, and legs, apply 1 oz. of sunscreen. For your face and neck, about half a teaspoon of sunscreen is recommended.
Make Sunscreen a Daily Ritual
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine isn’t just for those who live near the beach. Even on cloudy days in Baltimore, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Protect your skin and operational results regardless of the season or weather by making sunscreen application a daily ritual.
Schedule a Consultation
At The Aesthetic Center at Woodholme, we believe that cosmetic surgery is just one part of your skincare journey. Protecting your skin from the sun is a crucial part of maintaining the results of your surgery, and we’re always here to guide you on your journey to skin health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about our various treatments and products to help keep your skin looking its best.
Dr. Ira D. Papel is certified in Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Papel earned his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from Boston University of Medicine. He completed a residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Papel is considered an international expert in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aesthetic surgery.
