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Can’t See Your Shadow? You May Get a Burn!

Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer and Premature Aging with Full Spectrum Sunscreen and Sun Awareness Tips

Reston, VA     Did you know that weekend and holiday sunburns are especially harmful for the skin, as the intense, sporadic exposures are more closely linked to skin cancer later in life?  And that if you can’t see your shadow or your shadow is shorter than you are, you’re likely to sunburn?  The season to be out in the sun is upon us – and a little knowledge about skin cancer prevention is worth reinforcing in the summer months.  Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers.  Melanoma represents 4% of the skin cancers in the U.S. but accounts for 75% of skin cancer deaths.  In 1935, the risk of melanoma in Americans was 1 in 1,500.  Today it is 1 in 71.  Add to that the fact that 70% of adults in the U.S. do not use any sun protection and the danger is clear.

The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery of Reston, VA makes skin cancer prevention a key focus in their Medical Aesthetique, the skincare division of their cosmetic surgery practice.  They offer medical grade skincare products to their clientele, available on the premises as well as their online store through their website www.austin-weston.com.  The Austin-Weston Center recommends and sells full spectrum sunscreen designed to safeguard against sun damage and the dangers of skin cancer, as well as protect the complexion from premature aging.  Accumulated sun damage adds up on your skin, and 90% of the skin’s aging comes from the sun’s rays.

Sun damage occurs whenever we are outside.  Some people think about sun protection only when they spend a full day at the beach or pool. But sun exposure adds up day after day.  It happens whenever you are in the sun – golfing, gardening, fishing, hiking, biking, attending a baseball game, or driving in your car.  In fact, the sun''s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation can go through automobile and residential windows, as well as penetrate many types of clothes.  The left side of the face is the side most affected by the sun damage due to time spent driving.  In addition to wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing tightly-woven clothing, and avoiding the intense sun from 10 am to 4 pm are excellent ways to protect yourself from sun damage and skin cancer.

Men may be even more vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer and especially need to be reminded to wear sunscreen.  In a recent study, only 34% of men interviewed used sunscreen; and only 14% of men interviewed actually covered all exposed skin with sunscreen.  Men just aren’t used to the same skincare regimens that women undertake, and many women’s skincare products and cosmetics now have sunscreens included, giving them an added measure of protection.  Outdoor activities and sports events are also largely dominated by men.  Golfing is a sport that has recently increased skin cancer awareness greatly.  Many golf pros and instructors are advising the golfing community to protect themselves from the sun, as most players spend hours on the course during times of peak daylight.  According to the PGA, one golfer dies from skin cancer every twelve rounds, and 75,000 golfers per year are diagnosed with the disease. Although men and women of Caucasian ancestry are the most affected by sun damage and skin cancer, they are by no means alone.  African Americans and other people of color can develop skin cancer too, particularly on the palms, feet and under the nails.  And for all ethnicities, children are most at risk, with sunscreen use an absolute must. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of getting melanoma later in life.

The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery urges the importance of wearing full spectrum sun protection and following sun awareness guidelines to protect the skin from premature aging and the danger of skin cancer.   They offer many skincare services to help fight the damage of UV rays, including the VISIA™ computerized skin analysis system.  This complexion analysis tool takes digital photos of the skin and documents UV damage in addition to other conditions.  Skincare services at their Medical Aesthetique include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, clinical grade facials, Broad Band Light services and laser hair removal. The Austin-Weston Center is now the largest free standing facility in the area with three nationally respected surgeons on board, Dr. George Weston, Dr. Byron Poindexter and Dr. Robert Sigal.  They invite interested parties to come in for a complimentary consultation on any of their surgical procedures or come for a complimentary VISIA™ session.  Call 703-893-6168 or visit their website at: www.austin-weston.com.

Source: Jenny Hogan