While we offer a range of treatments at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, we’re also committed to providing effective patient education. One of the best things we can do to care for our skin is to protect it from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunburn isn’t just painful – it can cause lasting damage to your skin. Here, we offer tips to help you avoid sunburn.
How to Prevent Sunburn
You probably already know it’s important to wear sunscreen. But do you know when to apply, or how much? Follow these guidelines:
Avoid Peak Hours
If you live in Texas, where our practice is located, you know how strong the sun is. The unfortunate truth is that if it’s July, August, or early September, you might be fighting a losing battle. In climates where the sun is harsh and relentless, it truly is best to avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wear Protective Clothing
If you must be outside, wear protective clothing that covers your skin. To protect your face and scalp, wear a hat with at least a four-inch brim. It may not feel fashion-forward, but neither is skin with a tomato hue.
Apply Enough Sunscreen
Most people simply do not apply enough sunscreen. For an average-sized adult to get the protection listed on the bottle, you must apply one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) to your whole body. If you’re going to get wet or sweat excessively, you always want to use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply frequently. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen is more important than the SPF rating. However, we always recommend using an SPF of 45 or higher when out in the sun.
Get the Timing Right
One part of sunscreen application that’s tremendously important, but can be hard to put into practice, is to make sure and put on sunscreen 15 minutes before you are in the sun. This allows the sunscreen time to form a protective coating. And reapply, reapply, reapply. You must reapply sunscreen every two hours and after excessive sweating, swimming, or toweling off.
Always Use Sunscreen on Your Face
Another must-do is wearing a facial moisturizer or lotion with a minimum of SPF 15, regardless of expected sun exposure. You should use SPF throughout the year, even if it’s overcast or cloudy. That kind of daily protection can help protect against skin cancer and will combat signs of aging that come with consistent (or a few bad cases of) sun exposure.
Remember that not all sunscreen is created equal. We recommend EltaMD products, which offer high SPF for superior sun protection.
Get Expert Skin Care Guidance
At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, we offer expert cosmetic services right here in Waco. Led by Dr. Charles Guy, our medical team takes the time to listen to each patient and come up with a treatment plan that addresses their needs. Dr. Guy is board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, specializing in areas from the collarbone up.
Whether you’re looking for skin resurfacing treatments, advanced sun protection products, or dermabrasion, you can be confident in the services you’ll receive at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas. Our patients know they can get the most advanced cosmetic care close to home, without having to travel to Austin or Dallas. Plus, we offer a complete line of EltaMD skin care products onsite. To learn more about sunburn prevention and our services in central Texas, contact us or request a consultation today.