Skin CareSun ExposureLifestyle Tips


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.

Your complexion typically looks its best during your 20s. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and often drier. A breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers is the culprit behind thinning skin. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity, becoming drier and more fragile. 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 help keep your skin healthy and young looking.

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.

It’s a good idea to have a dermatologist do a skin and mole check every couple of years just to be safe. Finding a dermatologist in your area is easy with DermFinder.

Follow these simple tips to protect your skin — and your health:

  • Do not sunbathe or visit tanning parlors, and try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Check your skin often for signs of skin cancer. If there are changes that worry you, see the doctor right away.