The British summer has finally arrived and even though we all want to head out and enjoy the sunshine and soak up some vitamin D, it is important to remember to be sun smart and look after your skin. The sun’s UV rays can cause irreversible damage to your skin cells and are the leading cause of skin cancers. Many patients that come to see Mr Fattah are concerned about the appearance or advanced aging of their skin, especially on their faces. Facelift surgery aims to restore a more youthful contour to the face, however it does not address the fine lines around the eyes and mouth or damage to the skin that has been caused by exposure to the sun.
What can you do to protect your skin while still enjoying the sunshine:
- Wear sunscreen on your face and other areas of your body exposed to the sun with a SPF30 (or higher) and make sure you reapply regularly.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and clothes that will protect you from the sun.
- Follow the rule “Between 11 and 3, stay under a tree”. This means stay out of the direct sunlight during these hours when the UV rating is at its highest.
- If you are concerned about any changes to your skin such as moles that have recently appeared or changed in appearance, please speak to your GP.
Mr Fattah’s recommends applying a sunscreen with SPF30 (or higher) every day of the year from an early age as the UV rays are present in all daylight, even on cloudy days. Although cosmetic surgery often aims to reverse the signs of aging, prevention is always better than cure.