Healthy Summertime Skin

Summer sun is fun—but, long days of exposure can wreak havoc on our skin. It should come as no surprise that Ultraviolet Radiation (UV Rays) is highly damaging to our skin cells. A recent study found that in middle-aged adults, a quarter or more of cells in the skin have suffered sun induced damage. Although the cells appeared outwardly normal, thousands of DNA mutations appeared in each cell. Clusters of these so called mutant cells, known as clones, appeared in every 0.1 square inch of skin. Lead researcher and cancer geneticist, Dr. Peter J. Campbell was taken aback by the amount of damage UV Rays had on cells; expressing his surprise, he said the findings were “way higher than we’d expect”.

At Will Surgical Arts, we understand the importance of proper skin care. We offer a variety of preventative as well as proactive treatments. With our help, you can repair and even reverse the effects of sun damage.

Prevention

We carry both Obagi and Neova skin care lines. Advanced skin care, both lines provide you with ways to protect and recuperate. Our favorites:

Obagi Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50: Provides protection from UVA/UVB in a non-greasy, PABA-free, and fragrance-free formula. Women often complain that sunscreen leaves their skin shiny and oily—and thus, do not regularly apply sunscreen. Obagi has you covered, Sun Shield it goes on completely sheer with a matte luster.

Neova DNA Damage Control: This two-in-one wonder acts both as a micronized sunscreen while providing a skin-perfecting tint to your balance out your complexion.

Combat: Target & Restore

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is designed to exfoliate and encourage the regeneration of new skin cells. A professional chemical exfoliation dissolves and removes layers of dead skin cells that have built up over your years in the sun. Peels can vary in severity—but, to properly treat sun damaged skin, we recommend a deeper peel. A specialized chemical solution is applied to your skin, causing your skin to blister and eventually peel off. The peel leaves your complexion smoother, less wrinkled, and with lightened age spots. Bonus! As the peel stimulates the production of collagen, your skin will also be firmer.

IPL PhotoFacial

As a nonablative laser treatment, an IPL PhotoFacial uses pulsed light therapy to improve the skin’s health and appearance. At Will Surgical Arts, we are proud to use Palomar StarLux, an effective way to treat common ailments of sun-damaged skin including both wide areas of pigmentation and more concentrated pigmented lesions (age spots).

During your treatment, Dr. Will carefully move the Palomar StarLux hand piece over the targeted treatment areas. In the following one to two weeks, damaged skin cells will be naturally shed. Similar to the effects of a chemical peel, collagen growth is encouraged—giving you tight, evenly-toned skin.

Keep in mind the importance of your skin’s health as you enjoy long summer days in the sunshine. Dr. Will and the staff at Will Surgical Art’s MedSpa are here to help you. We have found that a combination of at-home care and in-office treatments gives you the best chance at optimal skin health. If you feel like you are ready to take the next step to a glowing and healthy complexion, please schedule a consultation today.