I once had the opportunity to have dinner with a physician from Nepal. He told me a very wise thing: "Habits are the cause of disease." Many of us are engaged in self-destructive behavior. Some of this is life threatening: abusing drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. I usually counsel new and old cosmetic surgery patients to stop smoking. This is much easier said than done. Tobacco is perhaps one of the most addictive drugs and it is widely available. One can see the damage this habit causes in the face. People who smoke age and die prematurely.
Sun precaution is yet another personal choice that can make a big difference. I question my patients who are using tanning beds or sunbathing. They feel a little guilty about the activity but not enough to change their behavior. You only need to see one young person die from melanoma to radically reshape your feelings about sun exposure!
I advise my patients that if they are serious about maintaining their good looks they need to protect themselves from the damaging effects of the sun. This does not mean living in a basement.
However, I advise selling the convertible, minimizing sunbathing, no tanning beds, and use of a full spectrum sunscreen. When you are going to be in the sun for a long time, use sun protective clothing, sunglasses and a nice broad brim hat. I practice in Los Angeles and some people feel they have to be tan for certain events. I advise a well done airbrushed faux tan.
