Summer is a wonderful time of year for your health. The warm weather encourages outdoor activities, and the vitamin D produced by sunlight can boost your mood. Unfortunately, sunshine can also do a number on your skin. Here are a few tips to protect your skin while having fun in the sun. SOAK UP THE SUN WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR SKIN
considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they’re used as directed.” So read the directions and enjoy a great summer tan while keeping your skin safe.
DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!
TAKE COOL SHOWERS.
People of all complexions should wear sunscreen every day. Even if you aren’t at the beach, harsh sunlight can still damage your skin when you’re walking around or driving your car. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen with SPF 30 first thing in the morning and reapplying periodically through the day.
Hot showers are relaxing, but they also dry out your skin, especially in the heat of summer. Do your skin a favor and turn down the temperature. As a bonus, taking a cool shower after sweating can reduce acne breakouts.
STAY HYDRATED.
Pro Tip: Don’t put the sunscreen away when it gets cold. The sun is still harmful in the winter months.
Hydrated skin is happy skin, so keep a water bottle handy. Start by swapping a sugary beverage at mealtime with a glass of water instead. Another healthy way to get extra water is by snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables. Certain summer fruits, like melons, have high water content and are full of vitamins your body craves.
WANT A TAN? GO SUNLESS!
Though popular, that “sun-kissed” look is actually a sign of skin damage caused by harmful UV rays. If your summer look just isn’t complete without a tan, consider using a sunless tanning product. The Mayo Clinic states, “Topical sunless tanning products are generally
There’s a lot to love about the summertime. With these tips, your skin can love it too.
HOW TO EXPLAIN YOUR SURGERY TO YOUR KIDS WHAT TO SAY AND HOW TO SAY IT
age, you can tell them the basic limited truth. Say something like, “Mommy is having a special mommy operation, and she won’t be feeling well for a couple weeks.” Older children, however, might require a more in-depth explanation with a detailed outline of the procedure itself.
Many of the mothers who come into our office for the first consultation have been grappling with the decision to get surgery for months, even years. They feel selfish for even thinking about getting a breast augmentation — even though they’ve spent years breastfeeding their children. They feel guilty for considering a tummy tuck — even though the extra skin around their midsection stemmed solely from pregnancy. In short, though they’ve spent years sacrificing their bodies to take care of others, they experience extreme anxiety whenever they think about telling their kids that they want to do something great for themselves … finally! If you’re a mother who is considering surgery, here are some tips to keep in mind when telling your kids about it. THE SPECIFIC CHILD DETERMINES THE EXPLANATION What you say will mostly depend on their age. Many of my patients have kids in the five- to nine-year-old range. For kids at that
THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY POSITIVITY We all need to be very careful about discussing plastic surgery with our children. As they grow up, we want them to have a positive body image. How a mom carries herself, how she responds to celebrities in popular media, the language she uses to describe her own body — all of these have a strong impact on her children. Our kids need to know that cosmetic surgery isn’t necessary to be attractive. They need to know that you’re having surgery not to become a different person but, instead, to restore your body and look as good as you feel. In the end, you’ll need to tailor the conversation to your children and your specific situation. But with just a little forethought and preparation — and by anticipating questions and reactions to your surgery — both you and your partner are better prepared to help your children adjust in a healthy fashion to your decision. Dr. Burgdorf discusses this topic (and many others) in great detail in his No. 1 Amazon best-selling book, “The Mommy Makeover: Restoring Your Body After Childbirth.” If you haven’t already, be sure to get a copy for yourself!
2 • WWW.MUSICCITYPLASTICSURGERY.COM • YOUR UNPARALLELED PLASTIC SURGERY EXPERIENCE
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