DON’T GET BURNED! Protect Your Skin With These Simple Tips
Summer is in full swing, which means the sun’s rays are shining bright for most of the country. In fact, the average UV index, or the intensity of ultraviolet light, across the U.S. is 7 or above on a scale of 13. To put that into perspective, a UV index of 3 is strong enough to damage the skin.
easily penetrate them and water like an ocean, lake, or pool. That’s why sunscreen is essential whenever you’re outside, even for just 20 minutes on a cloudy day.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock that is at least 30 SPF and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Reapply every two hours, and if you’re swimming or playing in the water, reapply every hour! CHOOSE YOUR OUTSIDE TIME WISELY. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so your skin is much more susceptible to damage during this period. If you can, save outdoor tasks (like yardwork) for early morning or late afternoon. If you are planning to spend some time outside within this time frame, it’s best to do so in the shade. You can also use the shadow rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are strong enough to damage your skin, so it’s time to find shade. PICK THE RIGHT OUTFITS. If possible, choose darker-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants made with tightly woven fabrics like canvas or synthetic materials such as nylon. Then, protect your face, neck, and ears with a wide-brimmed hat and cover your eyes with 99% to 100% UV-absorbent sunglasses. These types of clothing and accessories block more of the sun’s rays from ever reaching your skin and minimize your risk of a severe sunburn.
However, just because the UV index is high doesn’t mean you have to hide inside — you just need to practice a bit of safety when you’re outdoors! To protect you and your family during the hottest
months of the year, here are three ways to keep your skin sunburn-free.
USE SUNSCREEN WHENEVER YOU’RE OUTSIDE — EVEN WHEN IT’S CLOUDY. Many think sunscreen is only necessary at the beach or near a pool. However, the sun’s harmful rays will always reach your skin, no matter what you’re doing outside. Also, remember that while clouds may look like they’re blocking the sun, UV rays
TRUST IN THE PROCESS
How Dr. Scott Gained Susan’s Confidence
Any doctor must work hard to gain Susan’s trust. “I ask a lot of questions because I like to know the details,” she says. So, she was immediately impressed when Dr. Scott took the time to review the procedure with her before removing a small cyst in her eye. “I asked how he could see in such a tiny space,” Susan remembers. “He pointed to his microscope glasses and said, ‘Because when I look through these, I can see the Grand Canyon from here!’ That’s when I felt like I could trust him.” The surgery went well, so Susan returned in early 2023 for an upper blepharoplasty on both eyelids. “I had to keep raising my eyebrows to speak to someone,” she says. “Otherwise, I couldn’t see the way I wanted to see. Dr. Scott told me he could help with that, and I knew he could.”
Eight weeks post-surgery, Susan says, “I didn’t know how much I couldn’t see! I had pictures taken after the procedure, and I looked horrified. I realized I was still trying to raise my eyebrows. I had to say, ‘You can’t do that anymore, Sue!’” Recovery went well, with Susan noting, “I felt no pain at all.” Friends and family immediately complimented the results. “My kids are like, ‘Mom, you look great!’” Still, that wasn’t her original goal. “People ask if I did this to look younger, and I say no, that’s just a bonus,” she explains. “Now I have peripheral vision and can see the ceiling without tilting my head back. Also, I had braces for the first time at age 55 because I didn’t like how my teeth looked. So, you should do whatever feels best for you.”
Susan doesn’t reserve all her praise for Dr. Scott and is quick to applaud the office staff. “The people at your front desk can make or break a doctor’s practice,” she says. “Everyone at Eye Plastic Associates is so kind and considerate, and I think that reflects the quality of Dr. Scott’s work. It’s important to me that everyone at the office know that they matter.” Asked what advice she would give anyone struggling with heavy eyelids, Susan says, “Stop thinking about getting it fixed and do something about it! Book a consultation, and if you really want the procedure, you’ll have it done after talking to Dr. Scott. He’ll reassure you, and when you have confidence in your doctor, you can’t go wrong.”
2 EyePlasticMD.com
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