3 Ways to Protect Your Skin From the Sun Time for Safe Summer Fun
It’s time for fun in the sun! Whether you’re heading out to the beach or lake, catching a ballgame, hosting a barbecue, or taking a boat tour, it’s important to protect your skin to avoid sun damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans develops skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old, and every hour, two people die of skin cancer nationally. The risk of skin cancer is severe — it’s not just one sunburn. Having five or more sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of developing skin cancer.
and reminds everyone to remember their feet if they are exposed!
SEEK OUT THE SHADE. No matter the activity, try to limit your exposure to the sun — you’ll be cooler, too! Look for trees, pavilions, and shelters. When these options aren’t available, create your own shade by wearing a hat and toting along an umbrella. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. UV protective clothing is best for maximum protection. Don’t forget about your eyes — UV sunglasses are important for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Just because sunglasses appear dark does not mean they protect against UV rays! This summer, be sure to have fun but don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburns, possible skin cancer, and early signs of aging due to damage from sun exposure! Lather up!
Here are some surefire ways to avoid a pesky, painful, and potentially harmful sunburn.
ALWAYS CHECK: DID YOU APPLY (AND REAPPLY) SUNSCREEN? Apply sunscreen, and then reapply after going in the water or a few hours later. According to the National Cancer Institute, only about 30% of women and less than 15% of men regularly apply sunscreen, which leaves them vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The National Cancer Institute recommends using an SPF of at least 15
MARLA SHARES HER SURGERY EXPERIENCE A PIECE OF CAKE
When we caught up with Dr. Scott’s patient, Marla, about 12 weeks had passed since her surgery, and she’d just returned from a cruise. Before visiting Eye Plastic Associates, she had been experiencing problems with her peripheral vision due to droopy upper eyelids. Now, she’s seeing better than ever and enjoying life. Marla visited Dr. Scott for an upper lid blepharoplasty at the recommendation of her retina specialist. During her consultation, she had concerns about her lower eyelids as well, and Dr. Scott recommended a lower lid blepharoplasty and fractional laser skin resurfacing to reduce signs of aging. “One of my girlfriends had her upper lids done years ago,” Marla says. “She told me, ‘The first week isn’t fun, the second week is better, and on the third week, you change your Facebook picture!’” Due to preexisting eye conditions and adding on the lower eyelid surgery, Marla’s recovery has been a little slower. She is still experiencing a small amount of numbness in her right upper eyelid, “but I can feel it getting better every day,” she says. And she is definitely enjoying the benefits of her surgery.
“People can’t sneak up on my right side anymore,” Marla notes, “and I’m seeing a lot better.” The cosmetic effects have also been welcome. “Every one of my girlfriends has told me it looks so good,” she says. “And while I don’t know if it’s actually true, I feel like my eyelashes have gotten longer!” Marla retired from her job as a federal officer about five years ago, but before that, she also had careers in law, telecommunications, and food. Today, she runs her own cheesecake business. “Dr. Scott’s office has ordered from me, which is nice,” she says. She also has two adult children and “an amazing daughter-in-law.” She enjoys spending time with all of them and raising her two puppies. When asked about her experience with Eye Plastic Associates, Marla says, “Dr. Scott is probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He brings everything down to your level and doesn’t talk above your head.” She also has high praise for office manager Dawn, who she calls “phenomenal.”
“The office staff was all great,” she says. “No question was dumb — they are happy to do whatever it takes to make you feel better.”
2 EyePlasticMD.com
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