Consultant Plastic Surgeons Nora Nugent and Marc Pacifico give their advice and top three tips for taking care of our skin over the coming summer months
1. Be sun aware and protect your skin
Exposure to the sun causes skin damage and sunburn, even on cloudy days. The most common types of skin cancer that this damage is linked to are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. A less common, but more deadly type, is melanoma. The number of people diagnosed with melanoma in the UK is on the increase, particularly within young adults.
Limit your exposure to the sun between 11am-3pm when the sun is at its strongest, wear a hat and long-sleeved protective clothing as well as using natural shade, such as trees, where possible. Your sunscreen should be of factor 30 or higher and re-applied regularly throughout the day both in and out of water, even if they claim to last all day.
Remember that young children’s skin is thinner and more delicate than that of an adult so as well as the above, you can also take precautions such as using sun shades on the rear side windows of your car to protect against the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
2. Check your skin regularly
Know what is normal for you, in terms of moles and skin pigment. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new pigmentation of ulcers that will not heal, you should get them checked by your doctor.
Mole changes such as an increase in size, a change in colour or shape, or bleeding/itching also need to be checked out. Early skin abnormalities and cancers can be treated very effectively and an early treatment can help prevent extensive treatment being required at a later stage.
3. Remember that skin ageing from sun damage can be treated
Another effect of prolonged sun exposure is the earlier and more pronounced ageing of skin. Fine lines and wrinkles develop more extensively and quickly in sun damaged skin, as well as uneven texture and pigmentation.
Modern facial rejuvenation techniques such as wrinkle-relaxing injections, medical grade skin care, facial peels and laser treatments can treat and improve the appearance of your skin. A bespoke treatment can be tailored to your skin type and needs.
About Nora Nugent:
Nora Nugent is an internationally trained Consultant Plastic Surgeon with a special interest in aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery of the face, breast and body.
For more information on Nora Nugent, please visit www.noranugent.co.uk
About Marc Pacifico:
Marc Pacifico is a fully accredited consultant specialist in plastic surgery, and has experience in all areas of aesthetic surgery. His main interests are in breast, facial and abdominal surgery. For more information on Marc Pacifico, please visit www.marcpacifico.co.uk
To book an appointment with Ms Nugent or Mr Pacifico please contact the team at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital on 01892 888283 or email tu_custenq@nuffieldhealth.com
