Use Sunscreen to Prevent Wrinkles, Says Detroit Cosmetic Surgeon

    STERLING HEIGHTS, MI, August 07, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that consistent applications of sunscreen or sunblock can minimize the most visible signs of aging in the skin, including age spots and wrinkles. Dr. Mark N. Berkowitz (http://www.accentscosmeticsurgery.com/), a Detroit, Michigan cosmetic surgeon with advanced training in oculofacial surgery, believes that consistent sun protection will also reduce the need for future facelifts.

The study, which was released in June 2013, is the first objective research conducted in humans to show conclusive evidence that sunscreen prevents the effects of photoaging, the premature signs of aging that are directly related to sun exposure. Despite the volume of indirect evidence already in existence regarding the anti-aging benefits of regular sunscreen use, this is the first clinical trial designed to measure objective results.

"Although everyone these days knows they're supposed to use sunscreen, there are always those who brush off the idea of premature aging from sun damage," says Dr. Berkowitz, a face lift specialist in suburban Detroit. "Hopefully this new study convinces them that regular sunscreen use is vital to skin health."

The study included data from researchers who compared skin aging in 900 male and female Australians over a four-year period. Daily sunscreen use was shown to slow aging of the skin, even in those study participants who were middle-aged (although all participants were under the age of 55). The study participants who were using sunscreen on a daily basis showed fewer wrinkles and age spots for a total of 24 percent less skin aging at the end of the study compared to those who did not use sunscreen regularly.

Chronic exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays is responsible for up to 90 percent of the more visible signs of aging. Since damage from UV rays occurs gradually over the course of a lifetime, the effects usually manifest many years after any serious sun exposure has occurred. UV ray exposure causes changes in the epidermis the outermost layer of skin, inducing wrinkles as well as developing a thicker, more leathery texture. Age spots as well as hyperpigmentation like freckles and sun spots are also typical side effects of UV damage.

"The healthier the skin remains, the less you're going to need any type of cosmetic procedure for a long time," explains Dr. Berkowitz, who sees patients from as far away as Grand Rapids at his plastic surgery practice for both surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures. "Healthy skin produces more collagen, resists wrinkles better and keeps you looking younger for longer."

Led by Dr. Mark N. Berkowitz, Accents Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa (http://www.accentscosmeticsurgery.com) serves Michigan residents out of its suburban Detroit location. As one of only 19 Michigan surgeons with advanced training in oculofacial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Berkowitz is sought after by patients from across the state, from Lansing to Grand Rapids, and beyond. From facelifts to anti-aging medspa treatments, Accents continues to lead the way in patient satisfaction and excellence in results.

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