At Burgess Plastic Surgery, we want you to love your skin. Your skin will feel radiant and refreshed by the professional skin care services at our Lake Oswego practice. We know that beautiful skin is healthy skin. One of the most significant factors related to skin health and aging is sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation leads to wrinkles, volume loss, discoloration and an increased risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.
It’s National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and below you’ll find our tips and advice for everyday sun protection. The seasons ahead of us in Oregon mean time outdoors with friends and loved ones. Take these simple steps to reduce your risk of harmful sun damage. We also offer a wide variety of medical-grade products, which erase past sun damage, repair current damage and protect your skin from the elements.
Renew and Protect with Medical-Grade Skin Care Products
Our products come from leading brands, including:
- ZO® Skin Health. In addition to sun protection products, the ZO line targets aging, discoloration, acne, rosacea and pigmentation.
- Neocutis. This innovative line includes an SPF-30 day cream called Journee. Neocutis uses processed human skin cell proteins, which are rich in beneficial growth factors and antioxidants.
- Epionce®. This line features a wide array of products targeted at improving the wellness and health of your skin. They fight inflammation and rebuild the outer protective layer of cells.
- Teoxane. The RHA serum by Teoxane smoothes and brightens skin. Working from the inside out, this serum renews cells and restructures tissue. It’s a form of hyaluronic acid, so it attracts and retains hydrating water molecules in your skin.
A Hydrafacial is another great way to prep your skin for spring and summer. This facial is a comprehensive approach to refreshing your skin. It works similarly to a chemical peel, but it also hydrates your skin and protects it with antioxidants and a variety of optional boosters. It cleanses, extracts, hydrates and protects. You’ll head into the sunny season with vibrant, glowing skin.
For those who have visible sun damage, there are options to diminish the pigmentation. Treatments like IPL (intense pulse light) or a Clear + Brilliant laser, are devices that target sun damage by turning over superficial pigment. Series of treatments can help clear the skin and slow down future brown spots from forming.
Protect Your Skin this Summer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. About 5 million cases are diagnosed in our country each year. UV exposure is the most common and widespread contributing factor to skin cancer. It is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Because sun exposure is the largest risk factor, you can protect yourself by protecting your skin. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outside
- Wear loose long sleeves and pants if you’ll be out in the sun for a while
- Wear sunscreen for extended outdoors time and an SPF-rated cream or foundation daily
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re hiking, boating, playing volleyball, swimming, etc.
- Stay in the shade, if possible, between the hours of 10am-2pm, which is when the sun is most intense
Unfortunately, we continue to see patients who keep tanning because they think their skin looks better because it evens out their brown spots. However, this only creates more brown spots and greatly increases your risk of skin cancer. It is best to break out of this cycle of tanning. As Dr. Obagi, of our medical grade skin care line, Z.O., says, “a tan is your skin crying for help.”
Consult your doctor if you notice any moles, spots or discolorations on your skin that concern you. Generally, you should address any new changes, especially if it’s a new growth or a sore that doesn’t heal. Your dermatologist can evaluate these marks.
Find Out Which Skin Treatments are Right for You
If you are interested in rejuvenating your skin and protecting it from UV radiation with professional products, please arrange an appointment at Burgess Plastic Surgery by calling 503-699-6464. Dr. Elisa Burgess is an experienced cosmetic surgeon who is personally committed to her patients’ best results. Our friendly, state-of-the-art practice is located in Lake Oswego, and we proudly care for patients from Portland and all of the surrounding areas in Oregon.
