Helpful hints for better skin care.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Rejuvenating Skin Care for Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, & Washington DC

We enjoy the warmth of the sun. We also need it to help our bodies to produce Vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. But too much of the sun, or more accurately, the ultraviolet light emitted from it, causes a long list of skin problems and health risks. The type of damage incurred from too much exposure can lead to premature skin aging. These signs may present themselves as age spots, wrinkles, freckles, and loss of elasticity. Skin cancer risks are also markedly increased with excessive exposure to the UV light of the sun. These risks are also present and magnified in a tanning bed.

Since current fashion (and comfort) makes total coverage unlikely at all times, you should use sun protection every day. This should include the proper clothing, avoidance of prolonged sun exposure during the peak hours of the day (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and to always apply sunblock to exposed areas before going outside. Make sure to pick one with an SPF of 20 or higher. Not all sun blocks are created equal. Sunscreens absorb specific wavelengths of UV light. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating you see on sunscreen products refers to how much longer you may be able to stay in the sun, after application of the product, without burning. SPF is an indicator of UVB protection only. Sunblocks usually protect against UVB and some UVA wavelengths. Unfortunately, the SPF system does not consider the UVA light. It is the UVA wavelengths of light that are associated with skin cancers. The UVA wavelengths are best covered by the complete blocking agents, like zinc and titanium agents. Be sure to use sunblocks that specifically block out not only the UVB but also the UVA rays of the sun.

Proper nutrition further assists your skin's health rejuvenation by nourishing the skin's cells stimulated by the proper skin care. A balanced diet rich in vitamins like C, A, and E as well as those in the B-complex group can really make a difference. Supplements of each of these vitamins help maintain skin function in different ways. Vitamin A is required by skin cells for maintenance and repair. Vitamin B3 is helpful in the formation of healthy new skin cells. Vitamin C is required for the body to create proper collagen. Vitamin E improves the circulation, aids in repairing tissue and reduces scarring in some wounds. Niacin improves blood flow to the skin's surface. The antioxidant vitamins (C, A and E) may also assist in scavenging cells known as free radicals. Minerals like chromium and zinc are also necessary. Chromium aids in reducing infections to the skin, while zinc helps heal tissue and prevent scarring.

So take care of yourself from the inside and the outside and lets rejuvenate together.

If you would like to learn some more about the skin visit the skin page. To learn more about our skin care philosophy, please visit our page on skin care philosophy . We also have information about skin care products, but please call the office to learn more about the physician only skin care product line we carry. Dr. Michael J. Brown, also has his own skin care line.