Can Sun Damage be Reversed?

Hi everyone, Tara RN here!  The groundhog didn’t see his shadow this year and that means spring is (hopefully) right around the corner!  I know we have all been missing the sun these last few months and are itching to get out and soak up some vitamin D.  So, let’s talk about sun exposure and the safe ways to enjoy it. First and foremost, prevention is key when is comes to sun exposure.  It is recommended that for a sunscreen to be most effective it needs to be a SPF of 30 or greater, and reapplied every two hours (or more if sweating or swimming).  In addition to wearing a daily sunscreen, proper attire is crucial to protecting your skin (wide brim hats, sunglasses, swim-shirts etc.). Also, if possible, avoid direct sun exposure primarily during the times of day when the sun is most intense (10am – 2pm). 

I know most of us have either lathered up in baby oil as a teen, or accidentally got too much sun at the beach and are now left with the damaging reminders.  Some signs of sun damage are brown or red pigmentation on the skin, fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and textural concerns. These signs of sun damage typically appear months to years after being over exposed to the sun and can leave a person wondering how to fix these issues.  Fortunately, there are options available to help reverse the symptoms of sun damage, and help restore that youthful appearance prior to your sun exposure.  

Here at Yonick Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center we offer a multitude of options to minimize sun damage such as, broad band light therapy, Halo laser, and medical grade skin care.  Broad band light therapy, or BBL is one of our many procedures that can target multiple concerns all in one treatment. Specifically, our Forever Young BBL treatment targets brown pigment (think sun spots & freckles), telangiectasias (think about those red squiggles by your nose), and can help your skin appear rejuvenated and more youthful.  Our Forever Young BBL is an hour appointment and is virtually painless with zero downtime. Results can be seen with one treatment alone, but we recommend a series of three for optimal results.

If you’re looking for the Cadillac of treatments to help rid years of sun damage, you need to check our Halo laser procedure.  This treatment is completely customizable to target browns and reds specifically at the depth they lie in the dermis. This is an ablative AND non-ablative laser treatment all in one.  This state-of-the-art procedure takes about an hour to complete, has little to no downtime, and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to provide a more youthful look and improve texture, tone, and wrinkles.        

In addition to BBL and Halo, there are a variety of medical grade products such as retinol that can help minimize dark spots, improve texture and tone, and even diminish fine lines and wrinkles.  Retinol is the gold standard product that most people should eventually have in their skincare regimen because it addresses so many concerns. It is a derivative of vitamin A, and increases cellular turn over and boosts collagen production.  Retinol is a fantastic product, but be sure you are getting it from a medical professional that can further explain the use, and find a strength that is right for your specific skin type.  

Long story short, yes, sun damage can be reversed, but prevention is your best bet to keep your skin healthy and to help slow down the appearance of aging.  Whether you’re looking to reverse the symptoms of sun damage, or merely looking for a daily sunscreen, come see us at Yonick and we will tailor a plan specific to your concerns and needs.  Enjoy that sunshine, and don’t forget your sunscreen! 😊

Skin Health for Rosacea, Redness, and Inflammation

Beauty has always been synonymous with youth. As such, many of us long for plump, rosy-pink cheeks (that’s why blush was created and still lining cosmetic shelves today, right?). What happens when your once healthy, rosy complexion becomes more of a ruddy, red hue? Red, inflamed skin is far from healthy and often a sign of a chronic inflammatory skin condition called rosacea. This condition has a wide spectrum of clinical signs, but is generally characterized by redness, swelling, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias), rough texture, and pustules (pus-filled, pimple-like bumps).  Rosacea is a progressive condition; meaning, if left untreated it will only get worse as you age. Over time, capillaries can stay dilated and cause permanent redness and the skin’s texture will become blemished and rough. At Yonick Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center we are here to prevent and treat your specific skin condition. Let’s take a look at what we offer in addressing concerns of redness, inflammation, and rosacea-prone skin. 

Skincare Treatment:

Building a solid skincare regimen is essential for anyone suffering from rosacea, inflammation, and sensitized skin. Often, individuals experiencing these skin conditions end up shying away from skincare with either fear of adverse reactions or never achieving desired results. We get it; there’s a vast array of ingredients out there and an overwhelming number of products with empty promises. As experts in the skin care industry, we have done the product research and testing for you. We have found Dr. Zein Obagi’s ZO Skin Health to be highly effective in treating a variety of skin conditions and creating overall skin health. This pharmaceutical grade skincare provides a Skin Normalizing System created to mildly exfoliate, reduce inflammation, soothe, replenish, and restore skin to a healthy state. The system includes our February product of the month, Rozatrol. I rave about this product to anyone who will listen because simply put...it is AH-Mazing! This daily treatment serum contains an advanced amino acid complex and antioxidants to decrease inflammation and protect from damage against environmental stressors. Those with inflamed and sensitive skin have a weakened barrier, becoming more susceptible to the damage created by oxidation stress or the abundance of free radicals. This serum will replenish hydration at the cellular level to support a healthier skin barrier. 

What about Retinol? 

Retinols are the Holy Grail for almost any skin problem but what about redness and Rosacea? Retinols are known for causing irritation and redness so you may be wondering why this product would ever be recommended for your reddened skin. Allow me to further explain: retinols contain anti-inflammatory properties and promote cellular turnover, aiding in the development of new skin cells. Pores are unclogged, blemishes are eliminated, and skin is exfoliated resulting in fresh, new, healthy skin. Sound too good to be true? There’s more! Retinols boost collagen production resulting in more elasticity, improved textured, and diminished fine lines and wrinkles. Retinols can be extremely beneficial to rosacea patients by generating healthy new skin with normal blood vessels. Retinols are very effective in creating overall skin health; the key is to start out low (think .25% Retinol) and slow (2-3x a week) when implementing this product into your skincare regimen. 

Sunscreen:

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Past exposure to the sun’s harmful rays has likely been a top-contributor to your redness, visible capillaries, and rosacea flare-ups. Applying a daily broad spectrum SPF 30 or greater will prevent future damage and physical sunscreens containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide are top choices for easily irritated and reactive skin. 

Forever Young BBL (Broad Band Light): 

BBL is a laser treatment provided at YPS and will work wonders for redness and rosacea (not to mention brown spots, acne, large pores, wrinkles, etc…). The laser uses heat from wavelengths of light to treat skin at the vascular level, destroying damaged skin cells and shutting down superficial blood vessels. The treatment can be customized to treat both visible blood vessels and diffuse redness along with other conditions commonly seen in rosacea patients like poor texture, large pores, and acne. 

ClearSilk:

Clear Silk is our newest treatment to combat redness and rosacea (also improving pigment, fine lines & wrinkles, skin revitalization) with zero downtime that is suitable for ALL skin types. It works by depositing heat energy deep within the dermis and as the heat rises slowly to the target temperature, it causes bulk heating encouraging the bodies natural response to clear pigment, reduce vascularity and improve the overall appearance of tissue.

The Final Word…

Last but not least, figure out the environmental and lifestyle choices that cause your skin to flare-up and produce an inflamed response. Common culprits? Alcohol, spicy food, smoking, extreme temperatures, stress, and sun exposure. Replace poor nutritional choices with healthy, antioxidant-rich foods and plenty of water for ultimate skin health.

We are here to guide your individual skincare journey at Yonick Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center. Call us today at 989-495-2723 to set up a complimentary skin consultation or stop in to take advantage of 20% off our February product of the month, Rozatrol. We will get you on the right track to healthy, glowing skin this Valentine’s Day. See you soon!

ALLURA Laser Liposuction Is Here!!

Many of you have likely heard the buzz around the office and around town that Allura Laser Lipolysis is coming to Yonick Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center. This state-of-the-art technology offers a safe and effective in-office treatment for the removal of excess fat. Patients will notice immediate results with minimal downtime and minimal disruption to their normal daily activities during the recovery process. 

What is the difference between Allura and traditional liposuction? Well, traditional liposuction is typically performed in an operating room setting. It most often requires sedation or general anesthesia as provided by an Anesthesiologist. Liposuction is a great option for removing large volumes of unwanted fat with longer downtime and recovery. 

Allura is a great option for those small to medium areas of stubborn fat. Examples are the neck, bra roll, love handles, lower abdomen and inner/outer thighs. The procedure is  performed entirely in the office. A local anesthetic, as you would get in the dentist’s office, is used to numb the treatment area. Additionally, Nitrous Oxide is provided to reduce anxiety. You’ll be calm and relaxed but completely awake. The incisions are much smaller than traditional liposuction. Most patients will be able to drive themselves home and return to work the next day. Unlike traditional liposuction, Allura uses laser energy, which can also tighten the skin. Excess fat is removed and the laser heats the skin from within providing noticeably tighter skin; resulting in a more desirable contour. Intriguing, right? Let me walk you through what to expect.

You will first contact Yonick Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics center and schedule a consultation with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Yonick. During your initial consultation, he will assess your areas of concern. We will also capture photographs with our Vectra Camera. The Vectra Camera is a unique 3D camera system that allows Dr. Yonick to simulate your expected surgical result, giving both Dr. Yonick and yourself a clear understanding of the expectations and limitations to the proposed surgical procedure.

On the day of your procedure you will arrive at our office and be escorted to our private procedure area. Some patients will opt for additional medication to reduce anxiety and may take an oral medication upon arriving to the office. Dr. Yonick will mark the treatment area and our surgical nurse will get the area cleaned and prepped. You will be instructed to begin using the Nitrous Oxide at this time to further provide a relaxing experience. Your skin and fat are first numbed with a lidocaine solution. A very small incision is made to introduce the laser fiber and cannula into the treatment area. The laser fiber and cannula are then inserted and your fat will be treated; resulting in liquified fat. A small liposuction cannula is introduced into the treatment area and the liquified fat is removed. Following the liposuction, the laser is reintroduced into the treatment area. The laser is used to heat the underside of your skin creating a tighter and firmer appearance, shrink wrapping the skin over the treatment area. The procedure takes less than an hour for most areas. A simple dressing will be applied to small incisions after they are closed. Compression dressings or garments are applied, afterwhich, you’ll move to our recovery room. Nitrous Oxide is cleared from your system rapidly within a couple of minutes. Following your recovery, if you did not require an oral anti-anxiety medication, you will be able to drive home. However, if you opted for an oral anti-anxiety medication you may be a little groggy following the procedure and it is recommended that you have someone drive you home. 

Compression dressings or garments should be worn for about a week. Patients will be instructed to maintain a normal heart rate and blood pressure for 1 week following the procedure. Afterwhich, normal activities may be resumed. You will notice an immediate reduction in fat and improved contour. Skin tightening will reach maximum potential in 2 - 3  months. 

We are excited to see you in our office to begin your Allura experience! Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Yonick.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Your Friend This Season?

Karen Yonick, NP here...

When the word acid is used, I think back to my college days of being in the lab

with acidic substances creating all sorts of “fizzy” experiments. So why on earth

would I willingly put something that has such a corrosive word included in the

name on my face...to hydrate?!? 

Let me explain…

Hyaluronic acid, which is also known as hyaluronan, is a “gooey” substance that

is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of it are found in your

connective tissue, skin, and eyes. Roughly half of the hyaluronic acid in your

body is present in your skin - where it binds with water to help retain moisture.

The natural aging process and exposure to things like ultraviolet light, tobacco

smoke, and pollution can decrease the natural amounts of hyaluronic acid that

we have in our body; this leaves us with dry and unhealthy skin. 

The reason hyaluronic acid is so magical is that it retains water to keep your

tissues well lubricated and moist. What that means for your face is more

“plump” and gloriously hydrated skin. When you have hydrated skin you lessen

the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles which, in turn, makes your skin feel

oh so smooth. 

Don’t let that “a” word scare you into not trying this fabulous product. It is so

silky and soothing your skin will be craving this as part of your daily skin care

routine. Especially during these dry and harsh winter months. Our Yonick

Hydrating Serum, lovingly called the “blue juice”, is a great hyaluronic acid skin

care product that works well for all skin types. 

So now that we have our skin nice and hydrated, let’s move on and talk about

dermal fillers. These fillers are injected by myself or Dr. Yonick to give back

volume to the face. Did you know that these fillers are also hyaluronic acid? Yep!

Adding back into your skin that “gooey substance” to give you more volume and

plumpness. You can have filler placed wherever you have tissue loss such as

under the eyes, cheeks, temples, jowls, marionette lines and many other areas!

Want just a little bit more volume for your lips? Hyaluronic acid filler is the answer! 

We love using dermal fillers to achieve beautifully natural looking results. We have

all witnessed the bad filler injections out there that give all fillers a bad name

(thanks, Hollywood!). Good filler, however, is barely recognizable. Your friends will

be saying, “I don’t know what is different about you, but you look amazing!”

Give us a call today and set up your consultation with one of our medical

professionals to discuss if our Juvaderm or Restalyne dermal fillers are right for you!

Don’t forget to pick up some fabulous “blue juice” when you visit us!

Botox Versus Fillers

Hey everyone, Tara, RN here! Have you ever wondered how to minimize the appearance of your wrinkles or, perhaps, how to make your lips look more youthful and hydrated, but are unsure of exactly which product helps with what? Or maybe you have an area of concern but you aren’t even sure of what your options are? Rest assure that you are not alone! Many people are lost in the world of cosmetic injections because they don’t know if they need neuromodulators (Botox, Newtox, Dysport, etc.) or fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, etc.). With all the brand names on the market, people aren’t sure what they would need to fix their areas of concern and inadvertently request a product that won’t allow them to achieve their aesthetic goals. I’m here to help! Let’s get down to the basics of the differences between neuromodulators, like Botox, and fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane that are on the market and offered at Yonick Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center. 

Most people have heard of the brand Botox, and they may have a general idea that it can “take away wrinkles”, but there’s really so much more to understand when requesting Botox at your plastic surgeon or medical aesthetic office. Botox is a neuromodulator, which means that it relaxes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Neuromodulators last approximately 3 months, and take about 2 weeks to take full effect. Once injected with Botox, it can help smooth the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles such as the “11’s,” crow's feet, and forehead lines are often seen with facial movements. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, are deep lines caused by a loss of skin elasticity and can appear smoothed from Botox, but won’t give you the same result when injecting an area with dynamic wrinkles. This is where laser resurfacing could be an option.

Fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in our skin, and holds water to help keep it hydrated and plump looking. As we age, we inevitably will lose this substance. Very unfortunate; I know. Juvederm and Restylane are popular brands of fillers and can help fill in the loss of volume for certain areas of concern such as, cheeks, lips, frown lines around the lips, and nasolabial folds. Fillers can last anywhere between 9 and 24 months depending on the type of filler used and location being injected. 

So, if you can remember that Botox helps to relax facial muscles and fillers help to “fill in” loss of volume, you are well on your way to understanding which product will best suit your concerns. If you have any questions on which options would be best suited for you don’t hesitate to call for a consultation or, book your next injection appointment. 

To schedule, contact our office at: 989.495.2723. You can also visit our website for more information at: YonickPlasticSurgery.com

Do We Wear Pink or Do We Wear Purple?

Do we wear pink in October? Or do we wear purple? The answer is both! The entire
month of October is identified as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and is most commonly
correlated with wearing pink as a reminder. However,  on October 16th we wear purple!
This day is symbolic for Breast Reconstruction Awareness and is known as National Bra Day! 

After doing some research, National Bra Day was brought to light in 2011 when plastic
surgeon, Dr. Mitchell Brown, from Toronto, Canada, decided to create a day to be able
to focus on supporting and educating patients about mastectomy surgeries and the
choices of reconstruction. October 16th was chosen for this observance holiday and is
still recognized as a momentous day for breast reconstruction awareness. 

Speaking of plastic surgeons…why is this cause so near and dear to our hearts?
Dr. Yonick is a leader in breast cancer reconstruction for the Great Lakes Bay Region.
He is also a strong advocate for breast cancer patients to be educated on all of their
reconstruction options. This is an important mission that Dr. Yonick feels very passionate
about. 

To celebrate National Bra Day, some women actually leave their bras at home to
cultivate breast cancer awareness and remind women everywhere that they should
get screens for breast cancer on a regular basis. This day is also a day when people rally
to raise money for breast cancer research. National Bra Day is celebrated without a bra
to stand in support of the many women who have survived breast cancer and can no
longer go without wearing a bra, because they need it to hold their prosthesis in place
after undergoing surgery. Women who aren’t able to go without a bra, but would still like
to participate and show support, choose to wear the color purple. 

So, anyone who wants to take part in observing breast reconstruction awareness on
October 16th, please wear purple and/or take a more relaxed approach and go sans-bra!
Guys, we’re talking to you too! Another way to show your support is to use these
hashtags on any social media platform:
#NationalNoBraDay or even just #NoBraDay. 

Medical Grade Skincare; Is it worth it?

Hi! Just a quick introduction; I’m Amber, the Business Manager at Yonick Plastic Surgery. I first came to Yonick Plastic Surgery as a client about a year ago and then, in January, joined the team. I am an accountant by schooling but I am also a self-proclaimed product junkie. I would always be drawn into products by their marketing and pick up “this product” for acne and “that product” for wrinkles because it’s supposed to be the “latest and greatest”. I was constantly searching for the best products but everything was falling short because, the truth was, I didn’t know what my skin needed. Luckily, a year ago, I came into the office for a free skin care consultation. It was truly eye opening. Although I am still tweaking my skin care regimen, I am no longer wasting money purchasing products that do nothing for my skin and take up space under my sink. 

Like most people, I wondered, what is the difference between Medical Grade skincare and Over-the-Counter (OTC), really? I have been doing some research and OTC is any product that you buy at the grocery store, department store, or even the spa. They are products that are designed to enhance your skin...but not correct it. OTC products generally come with a cheaper price tag but that doesn’t mean you are getting a deal. Instead you are getting a very small amount of the active ingredients and a bunch of water and fillers; these products just sit on the surface of your skin. Another thing to consider with OTC skincare is the elusive wording used for their products. For example, instead of saying “reduces wrinkles”, they say, “reduces the appearance of wrinkles.” This is because they are not changing the structure or function of the skin. 

Medical/Pharmaceutical grade gives you the highest concentration of active ingredients in order to change your skin at a cellular level. These products are sold in doctor’s offices and medical spas and are FDA regulated; backed by scientific studies. The higher concentrations of active ingredients are designed to penetrate the outer layer of skin to reduce wrinkles and brown spots, increase hydration and much more. Companies that create these products invest towards clinical research to ensure their technology is proven to be effective and they are constantly developing the most efficient way to deliver their products to you.

Interested to see what prescription-grade skincare can do for you? I highly suggest a consultation. During this consultation a medical professional will examine and diagnose  your skin care needs and create a customized plan to help you achieve your goals. This step has been key for me. Our Nurse Practitioner, Karen, even continues to meet with me to discuss how my skin is responding to the skincare and adjust my regimen accordingly. I honestly have never been happier with my skin (this is a big thing for me as I am approaching the big 4-0)! It looks and feels healthy and is functioning better than ever!

Call our office today to set up a free skincare consultation and, during the month of September, when you mention you read our blog, you will be entered for a free ZO Getting Skin Ready kit!

SUNSCREEN!!

Hi! My name is Karen and I’m a sunscreen buff. Geek, if you will. This sunscreen blog
is complete with all the questions I’ve been asked plus a little more info to really hit it
home. Are you as excited as I am?! Let’s go!

What is the biggest bang for your buck when we are talking about anti-aging?

My answer every time will be to purchase a great sunscreen. Not only does it help with
protecting you from skin cancer but it also helps your skin from aging prematurely.
Easier said than done, right? You walk down any store isle and it can be extremely over-
whelming with all of the options. So, let’s go over the important facts you need to know
when selecting the right sun protection for you and your family.

The first descriptor you need to look for on any sunscreen container is “broad spectrum”.
Sunlight actually has two types of harmful rays, which are UVA and UVB. Overexposure to
either one can put you at risk for skin cancer. UVA rays are the culprit for giving us
premature aging to our skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are the cause of
sunburns. It is important to note that while UVB rays are blocked by window glass, UVA
rays are not. So keep in mind that when you are driving in your car, you may not be
getting a sunburn but, you better believe the UVA rays are still getting to you! When you
choose a broad spectrum sunscreen you are being protected from both UVA and UVB
rays.

I get the question on a daily basis of “who needs sunscreen?” and the answer is very
straightforward - everyone over 6 months of age (under 6 months old should avoid sun).  
I also have had many clients tell me that they tan nicely and don’t get burned so, are they
off the hook for worrying about the sun? No way! Anyone can get skin cancer regardless
of skin type, race, gender or age. Sunscreen is a must to keep you safe and your skin healthy.

What does SPF even mean?

SPF = Sun Protection Factor. It is a rating for sunscreens and other cosmetic products
containing sunscreen. In theory, the SPF number indicates how long you can stay in the
sun before your skin reddens. SPF is only used to rate a sunscreen’s ability to protect
against UVB rays.

Is a high number SPF better than a low numbered one?

The recommendation is to use a sunscreen that has SPF of at least 30, which will block
93% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB but
no sunscreen can block 100%. It is important to note that high number SPFs last the same
amount of time as low number SPFs. A high number SPF does not allow you to spend
additional time outdoors without reapplication. Sunscreens should be reapplied every
2 hours even on cloudy days, after swimming or sweating.

What types of sunscreens are there?

Chemical and mineral sunscreens are the two options available.  There is, and always has
been, a lot of debate if chemical or mineral sunscreens are better and/or have different
risks. The current research shows the FDA is stating chemical and/or mineral sunscreens
are safe and protect against skin cancers.

The chemical sunscreens work like a sponge and absorb the sun’s rays. They contain one or
more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene,
momosalate and octinoxate. These formulations may be easier to rub into the skin without
leaving a white residue. Mineral sunscreens work like a shield, sitting on the surface of your
skin and deflecting the sun’s rays. They contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or
titanium dioxide. This may be a better choice for those with sensitive skin.

Who regulates sunscreen and are they safe?

Sunscreen products are regulated as over the counter drugs by the US Food and Drug
Administration. The FDA has several safety and effectiveness regulations in place that
govern the manufacture and marketing of all sunscreen products, including safety data on
its ingredients.

Scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize short-term and
long-term damage to the skin from the sun’s rays. Claims that sunscreen ingredients are
toxic and/or a hazard to human health have not been proven.

The FDA continues to evaluate spray sunscreens for safety and effectiveness on your skin.
There is so much variability on the application of the sprays since it is difficult to know if you
used enough to cover all the exposed areas. When using a spray, make sure to spray an
adequate amount and make sure to rub it in.

Is your sunscreen still effective?

FDA requires all sunscreens to retain their original strength for at least 3 years, so make sure
to check the expiration date if listed on the container; if it has expired, throw it out.

If you buy a sunscreen that doesn’t have an expiration date, write the date you bought the
sunscreen on the bottle; that way you will have a baseline of when to throw it out. However,
if any sunscreen becomes discolored or runny from when you purchased it, it is time to buy
yourself a new bottle.

Review of what to look for when buying a sunscreen:

Broad Spectrum

SPF 30 or above

Reapply every 2 hours

A sunscreen that covers what is listed above will assist to protect your skin from early signs
of aging, sunburn and skin cancer. Sunscreen is quite the powerhouse but, it cannot stand
alone to reduce your exposure to skin cancer, so here are a few other things you can do to
protect yourself.

Protective clothing

First, let’s start with a broad brimmed hat! A broad brimmed hat will cover your face, neck
and, of course, don’t forget the tips of your ears! This hat needs to be occlusive or have a
lining, so say goodbye to your straw hat.  And baseball hats have a nice brim to cover your
face but leave too many other areas exposed.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating that is generally used in clothing that will
protect you from the sun.This will measure the amount of UVA and UVB radiation that
penetrates the fabric and reaches the skin. The higher the number is better when it comes
to UVP clothing. It is a great time to start looking for swimsuits, dresses, hats and shirts.
These are becoming very popular, which means they have many varieties and styles to
choose from. I came across a UVP long sleeve shirt that has thumb holes so not only is my
upper body fully protected but, also the tops of my hands that are so easily forgotten to
protect. I wore this type of shirt all week on a cruise and it kept me protected from the sun,
cool on the beach, and it was easy to swim in. Clearly, I am a big fan! Also, most of our
young daughter’s swim gear we purchase is UVP clothing, as it is a time saver for putting
sunscreen all over her body. Minutes count when they are excited and whining to get into
that pool!

And don’t forget about your lips! Apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with
SPF of 30 or higher and reapply at least every 2 hours, or as needed.

Avoiding the sun

Are you using sunscreen all year round? I hope your answer is yes because the sun emits
these harmful UV rays year-round; it does not take vacation days. Even on cloudy days,
up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Did you know that water,
sand, and even snow reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance
of sunburn? So, use good judgement and protect yourself whether you are skiing in the
summer or the winter! Seek shade whenever possible and don’t forget the sun’s rays are
strongest between 10am and 2pm so be extra diligent with sun protection during those
times.

PLEASE, please, please avoid tanning beds and booths. Ultraviolet light from the sun AND
tanning units cause skin cancer and wrinkling. The United States Department of Health
and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of
Research on Cancer have declared UV radiations from the sun and tanning beds are a
known carcinogen, which means this is a cancer-causing substance.  If you love the look of
your skin being tan, seek out self-tanning products and then wear your sunscreen over that.
There are also some incredible mineral makeup tricks you can do to have a beautiful
bronzed look without putting your skin at risk.

We have multiple mineral sunscreens here at Yonick Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center
that will keep you protected from the UV rays and are great for sports, water and everyday
wear. You must find the sunscreen that your skin loves. For example, I use a few different
sunscreens that feel best for my various activities. My favorites are:

ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer. I use it as the last step in my morning facial regimen.
This is a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30. The benefit is the built-in primer
so I can just bypass that step when applying makeup. It also has a sheer matte finish and
a slight tint so, if I decide not to put makeup on, it gives me a little coverage. I can also
reapply this over my makeup when it is time to and it won’t smudge!
How amazing is that?!

Yonick Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 is my go-to for my weekend sunscreen.
This is also a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen that is fast absorbing, oil and paraben
free and can work as a makeup primer. Most of the staff in our office, and a lot of our
clients, prefer this one as their daily sunscreen use but, my skin chooses something
different. Your skin is the boss so listen to it!

I strongly suggest to come into the office and try on a few to see which one is right for
you! When you find the sunscreen that doesn’t make your face/body feel oily or greasy,
you will love putting it on.

Armed with all this sunscreen knowledge, have a blast this summer and, as always,
keep your skin protected! If you have any additional questions about sunscreen or skin
care, please call our office for a free consultation.