The Sun and Your Skin

Sun exposure causes about 80 percent of the skin changes associated with aging, so protecting your skin from harmful rays is the single most important skin care practice you can adopt. Significant sun exposure will wrinkle and dry the skin and cause uneven pigmentation — from little freckles to large brown spots.

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 develop.

Protecting children and teens from the sun is a critical step in preventing 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:

• Don’t sunbathe or visit tanning parlors.
• If you’re in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., wear protective clothing — a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and sunglasses.
• Wear sunscreen year-round to help protect your skin from UV light. Remember to reapply the lotion as needed. Use products that are SPF15 or higher on skin and lips.
• Regularly check for changes in your skin.