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Most of us love the warmth of the sun,
but over exposure can cause significant damage to
our skin. The sun's ultraviolet rays (UV) can cause our
skin to dry out and lose essential oils and decades of tanning,
burning and over exposure to the sun may cause changes in
our skin's structure.
Unprotected skin exposed to the sun can
gradually lose essential oils, making
it dry, flaky and prematurely wrinkled.
Repeated episodes of sunburn, although
they appear to heal on the surface, can
lead to permanent skin damage over time.
Excessive over exposure to the sun can
cause changes in the skin's collagen called
photoaging. These changes can take the
form of wrinkles and fine lines, decreased
skin elasticity (sagging skin), or a thickened
skin textured. UV radiation can damage
the collagen that supports the walls of
the skin's blood vessels, causing them
to be more fragile. A symptom of this
is easy bruising on sun-exposed areas
such as the back of hands.
Over the years, repeated sunburns and
unprotected exposure to the sun can increase
the risk of skin cancers including basal
cell and malignant melanoma and other
types of skin cancers..
- ALWAYS apply a sunscreen before you go outdoors, especially
to your face, neck and hands. That means 365 days a year,
rain, shine or clouds. Choose a sunscreen that has a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more, with a broad spectrum
of protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Broad specturm
sunscreens include avobenzone, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
There is a new ingredient, Mexoryl SX, that offers strong
protection against UVA rays. Learn
how to ready sunscreen labels here.
- Apply sunscreen generously. You'll
need at least an ounce per application
and use plenty on your face. (Think
of an amount about the size of a shot
glass.) Reapply every two hours, more
often if you are exercising heavily
or swimming.
- Keep a supply of sunscreen in your
car, gym bag, etc. so you always have
it handy.
- Use a sunblock on your lips, preferably
with an SPF of 20 or above.
- Wear sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B
light protection.
- Wear long pants, a shirt with long
sleeves and a hat with a wide brim.
- Limit your time outdoors when the
sun is at its highest (about 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m.)
- Certain medications such as antibiotics
can increase your vulnerability to sunburn.
Check with your doctor.
- If you love that bronzed look, try
a sunless
tanner.
Be sure to see your doctor immediately
if you have any unusual looking moles
or changes in your skin. Don't wait.
You may be able to improve the appearance
of moderately sun damaged skin with alpha-hydroxy
acids, which remove dead skin cells
from the out layers of your skin, leaving
it softer and smoother. Chemical peels,
laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion
may also be helpful.
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