What’s the best way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR), given that we need to work, travel, and sometimes play outside? Clothing is the most basic and generally the best means of sun protection. Not all clothing is equal, however, and some of it isn’t actually very good at protecting us. So, what makes a piece of clothing sun-safe?

Why Choose UPF?

To be certain of an item of clothing’s sun-protective ability, the item has to be UPF-tested. ultraviolet protection factor. Choosing a garment with a UPF of 30 or higher means that 1/30th of the UVR is reaching your skin. This is a very small amount, and will most likely be adequate protection against any sun damage. In comparison, a thin white cotton T-shirt probably has a UPF of about 5, which allows 1/5th of the sun’s UV through. Your skin could eventually burn in such ashirt, especially if it was wet. Wet fabrics pull apart, creating larger gaps in the weave for UVR to pass through.

Here are some key tips for buying and staying sun-safe with clothing:

• Buy garments that fit your lifestyle. You don’t need a heavy work shirt for the beach, but a long-sleeved, tightly woven shirt can be both cool and sun-smart.
• Look for garments with a UPF of 30 or higher so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection.
• Choose items that cover more skin. Consider a rashguard or swim shirt instead of standard swim shorts or a bikini. Swim shirts are made of lightweight, elastic materials like spandex, and cover your upper body without weighing you down. You can also have beach towels or sarongs ready for when you leave the water.

Other sun safe tips

• When outdoors, seek out shaded areas under awnings or trees and minimize your time in the direct sun. A sun umbrella not only protects but keeps you cool!
• Be aware that UV light can bounce off surfaces such as water,  and glass, hitting your skin twice and increasing the intensity of exposure.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, anyone can develop skin cancer regardless of age, gender or race. There were 5 million U.S. residents treated for skin cancer last year.So while it is great to spend time outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, it is important to protect your skin from the harmful rays.

Age and gravity can take a serious toll on our facial appearance, as collagen production slows down and we lose volume and fullness that lend a youthful glow. One of the most common complaints among women (and men) is the appearance of wrinkles and deep folds in the skin, especially around the nose and mouth. Fortunately, there is a range of non-permanent injectables that can restore lost volume while significantly diminishing deep lines and folds.

If you have prominent naso-labial lines (also known as “laugh lines”), there is a brand-new hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has been developed to address this specific problem: Juvederm Vollure XC.  

What is JUVÉDERM VOLLURE® XC?

JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC is the newly FDA approved injectable filler designed to add volume beneath the nasolabial fold (laugh lines) to lift and contour using Vycross technology which creates a more connected gel (firm enough to fill and soft enough for natural movement), to create a more youthful appearance. Its breakthrough is that it’s more natural-looking and lasts a full year longer than other injectables on the market.

How JUVÉDERM VOLLURE® XC works

A hyaluronic acid gel injection (compatible with the human body as it’s naturally found in almost every single living thing,) acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging. It also brings water to the surface of the skin to keep it looking fresh and supple.

What to expect

Before beginning treatment, we will examine the nasolabial area to determine if JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC is right for you. Then we will tailor a treatment designed for your aesthetic goals. One treatment (some patients require a touch-up) is complete in 15-20 minutes. You will likely experience some tenderness, swelling, bruising, or itching for up to 2 weeks.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects include tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, pain, redness, discoloration, and itching. Most side effects were mild or moderate and lasted 14 days or less. One of the risks of using this product is unintentional injection into a blood vessel, and while rare, the complications can be serious and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring. As with all skin-injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.