Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

As with most things, the pendulum of knowledge swings. You may have heard or read recent news regarding the benefits of sun exposure ? after years of doctors warning people to avoid the sun or reap the consequences of ultraviolet rays. These consequences range from cosmetic nuisances like wrinkling to truly scary conditions like melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Fortunately, many of the cosmetic effects of skin damage may be reversed with treatments such as Botox, Restylane and collagen injections.

Harvard Department of Dermatology Chair Robert Stern advises us to take a commonsense approach to the sun: Don?t avoid it altogether. Enjoy the sun, reap its benefits, but do so with care.

Studies have shown that many of us have low levels of Vitamin D, which can be linked to such problems as reduced bone health. As little as 15 minutes of sunlight, however, supplies us with a full day?s requirement of that vitamin. Sunshine can also chase away the blues, sometimes manifested as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Getting out on a sunshiny day to garden, take a walk or other types of physical activities helps keep us in shape and our weight in check, as well.

The key to enjoying the sun lies in using our knowledge of its hazards and its benefits to our best interests. Do use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more when you anticipate being out in the sun for an extended period of time. Do wear a hat and keep your body covered in lightweight clothing during the middle of the day when the sun?s rays are the strongest and most damaging. But don?t completely avoid the sun. It?s not only fun, it?s good for you, too!

If you need more answers about skin care and the sun, contact our office via this Web site?s contact form. Please give us a call if you?d like to talk directly to Dr. Barber, and we?ll schedule an appointment for you at your convenience.