Muscle movements involved in facial expressions are one of the leading causes of wrinkles. Fortunately, many of these lines can be addressed—and even prevented—with BOTOX®. The Madison and Milwaukee area’s Parkins Plastic Surgery team recommends this injectable treatment for patients who are bothered by expression wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines. Unlike topical skincare products, BOTOX® works directly on the wrinkle-causing muscles. How does it work? The injectable contains a diluted neurotoxin that disrupts messages from the nerves so that specific facial muscles can’t contract. The skin on the face appears smoother and the patient looks more fresh-faced as a result. If you’re considering cosmetic treatments, BOTOX® is ideal for the summertime for several reasons. We tend to squint more often when we’re exposed to sun and water, which is what makes the development of branching lines next to the eyes—called crow’s feet—more likely to occur. BOTOX® injections relax the muscles around the eyes to prevent the formation of these wrinkles. The same goes for lines on the forehead, which form when we raise or lower our eyebrows—another thing that tends to happen in bright sunlight. Many people find BOTOX® appealing because it requires minimal downtime and typically causes only minor, short-term side effects. This means that you’ll be able to get back to all your usual summer activities—like barbecues, road trips, and vacations—much more quickly. As opposed to many other cosmetic treatments, you also won’t need to stay out of the sun because sunlight and heat exposure have no effect on BOTOX®. Unfortunately, BOTOX® can’t handle everything. During the summer, the high heat and humidity, along with exposure to the outdoors and sunlight, can often be rough on our skin. In addition to frustrating rashes, sweating. and insect bites, the summertime may bring unwanted changes to the pigmentation and texture of the skin. Here are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of sun damage and other types of skin conditions associated with the summer months.
Acne Breakouts
Excess heat and humidity can trigger some bad breakouts during the summer, especially for those who have acne-prone skin. Oil production in the skin ramps up during the summertime. Sweat, oils, dead skin, and bacteria mix together, resulting in blocked pores. To combat this, remove sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth, wash sweaty clothes or hats before wearing them again, and apply non-comedogenic products to your skin. Using a salicylic acid cleanser is another way to reduce the excess oil production.
Heat Rash
When sweat can’t escape due to blocked glands, it builds up in the skin, which is what causes heat rash. Typical signs are small, itchy bumps. Reducing sweat can help to prevent heat rash from developing. You can reduce sweating by wearing lighter, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics, exercising during the coolest times of the day or in air-conditioned rooms, and taking other steps to keep your skin cool.
Dryness and Irritation
Your skin likes mild, consistent weather best, so any extremes can be too much for it to handle. Dry, irritated skin is another common concern during the summer because of the excess heat and humidity. Exposure to sunlight, swimming pools, and air conditioning for an extended amount of time can make the skin’s condition much worse. You can counteract this typical summer skin problem by showering and washing your hair immediately after you get out of a pool; always applying sunscreen that’s broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant before you go out; applying moisturizer often; and taking warm rather than hot showers.
Interested in learning more about summertime BOTOX® and other skincare tips? Contact Parkins Plastic Surgery for more information about this minimally invasive wrinkle treatment and similar non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. Call (262) 269-1050 or submit a contact form online to schedule a consultation and discuss cosmetic procedures.
