23
Mar
Sun and Air Pollutants Damage Our Skin: How Can We Fight Back?
Dr. John R. Burroughs Discusses How Sun and Air Pollutants Damage Our Skin: How Can We Fight Back?
John R. Burroughs, M.D., P.C., Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Medical Director, Springs Aesthetics Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa
Sun exposure is vital for the production of Vitamin D, and even for the emotional well-being of many individuals to help them avoid seasonal affective disorder. Unfortunately, sun exposure, especially at the high altitudes of Colorado, increases our risk of skin damage, skin cancers, unsightly wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.
Sun exposure leads to the production of free radicals that lead to internal inflammation, collagen breakdown, reduced skin elasticity, and other unsightly superficial skin changes called actinic damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the primary cause of free radicals. The two major types of ultraviolet rays are UVA and UVB. UVA causes aging changes such as loss of skin elasticity (sagging), dyspigmentation, and wrinkles. UVA rays are powerful enough to penetrate glass and cloud cover and can penetrate into the skin, up to 40 times deeper than UVB. UVA’s effects may not become visible for many years, whereas UVB causes sunburn, which is, of course, seen quickly after overexposure. UVB rays are generally easier to protect your skin from with the use of sunscreens.
Environmental air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter containing nitrogen and hydrocarbons) can increase our skin’s susceptibility to UV rays and increase melanin production, leading to darkening and wrinkling of the skin. As our skin tries to fight these attacks, it leads to the release of enzymes and inflammation. Skin blood vessels can dilate, leading to increased redness and rosacea.
Dr. Burroughs recommends that our patients and clients protect their investment in their skin and overall appearance. This starts with a proper daily skin health restoration and protection regimen. There is no point spending your hard-earned money on cosmetic procedures and surgery and then not maintaining your investment in your personal appearance.
You can take several steps that will not only help protect your skin but also improve the health and appearance of your skin.
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New Patients: (719) 749-3606 | Existing Patients: (719) 473-8801
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10 Critical Steps To Protecting Your Skin:
- Nightly cleansing of the skin, especially the face. This includes removal of makeup and environmental particles, which can contribute to premature aging. We carry multiple SkinCeuticals* cleansers depending on your skin type.
- The proper toner can be used to remove excess residue and debris, restore skin pH, and rid the skin of bacteria. We recommend SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner.
- Application of a quality moisturizer, such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, which creates long-lasting hydration, has anti-aging benefits, and protects the skin’s protective barrier.
- Wear appropriate attire to protect exposed areas of skin (long sleeves, hats, sunglasses, etc.).
- Minimize outdoor exposure on high air pollution days.
- Apply topical antioxidants such as SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF.
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods (berries and leafy greens), which help combat free radicals, and drink plenty of water to help hydrate the skin and foster healthy cell production.
- Don’t excessively or harshly scrub your skin, which can lead to damage to your skin barrier. Instead, use SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 at night 3 times a week for anti-aging benefits and collagen production.
- High-quality mineral-based makeup acts as a barrier to UV rays and can act like a web, trapping airborne particles.
- Regularly apply high quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc of at least SPF40 (We offer the EltaMD line**) every morning and reapply throughout the day.
At Springs Aesthetics, we offer a full range of services, including:
- Non-invasive cosmeceuticals, dermal infusion DiamondGlow, chemical peels, and photofacials (Lumecca)
- Wrinkle blocker and filler injectables
- Forma radiofrequency skin tightening
- BodyFx cellulite and fat reduction
- Fraxel-type skin resurfacing (Fractora)
- Radiofrequency skin tightening, fat reduction, and skin lifting (FaceTite, NeckTite, and BodyTite)
- Cosmetic eyelid and facial plastic surgery
Every individual has specific needs, time frames, and budgets, so we offer a full spectrum of services to meet your aesthetic needs and concerns.
Surgical and aesthetic procedure consultations with Dr. Burroughs carry a modest fee that is applicable to any treatments or surgery within 3 months of your consultation. To schedule an appointment, call (719) 749-3606. Financing options are available.
*Skinceuticals is the top of the line of cosmeceuticals for your skin care needs. The Skinceutical products are formulated to correct signs of aging, protect healthy skin, and prevent future damage.
**EltaMD has a wide range of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to fit everyone’s needs. There are oil-free sunscreens for those with combination/oily skin or breakout-prone skin, water-resistant and sweat-proof sunscreens, sunscreens for the face or body, full-body sunscreens, mineral sunscreens, and sheer-tinted sunscreens. All are fragrance-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.
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John Burroughs, M.D.
Dr. John Burroughs specializes in eyelids, orbits, and faces and has performed over 20,000 related procedures. His role in oculofacial plastic surgeries has been highly appreciated.
He is an alumnus of the Air Academy High School, University of Texas, and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine), Maryland. He later followed a transitional internship and ophthalmology residency in San Antonio, TX, and has decades of aesthetic treatment experience.
Dr. Burroughs is American Board of Ophthalmology-certified and is a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons, the Oculofacial Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of many other associations. He is a lifelong learner and teacher.