The Sun and Your Skin
Your complexion typically looks its best during your 20s. As you age, your skin
becomes thinner and often drier. Skin that has been exposed to excessive,
repeated sunlight ages even faster. However, there are a number of dietary and
lifestyle changes that you can make to have healthy skin and a younger
appearance.
Because exposure to the sun causes about 80 percent of the skin changes
associated with aging, protecting the skin from the sun is the single most
important skin care practice you can adopt. Significant exposure to the sun will
wrinkle and dry the skin. Uneven pigmentation — from freckles to small or large
brown spots — is another side effect of frequent sunning. Melasma, commonly
associated with pregnancy, is brought out by the sun and produces large brown
patches on the forehead and cheeks.
The most serious consequence of sun exposure is skin cancer. According to the
American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer makes up nearly half of all
diagnosed cases of cancer. Although most sun damage is done before the age of
18, skin cancer can take up to 20 or more years to rear its ugly head.
Protecting children and teens from the sun is a critical step in preventing
future skin cancer. People who have as few as two to three sunburns in their
youth are believed to be at an increased risk of developing skin cancer later
in life.
Check your skin often
for signs of skin cancer. If there are changes that worry you, see the doctor
right away. Finding a dermatologist in your area is easy with
DermFinder.
Follow these simple tips to protect your skin — and your health:
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Do not sunbathe or visit tanning parlors, and try to stay out of the sun
between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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If you are in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., always wear protective
clothing — such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and sunglasses.
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Be diligent with your sunscreen year-round
before going outdoors to help protect your skin from UV light. Remember to
reapply the lotion as needed. Always use products that are SPF (sun protection
factor) 15 or higher. Apply lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect
sun-sensitive lips.
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Don’t forget to check for changes in your skin.