The glorious yellow ball in the sky that emanates pleasant sunlight is anything but safe for your skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology. The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause you any number of problems, from painful sunburns to prematurely aging skin to the most dire consequence of all, skin cancer. Before you sun seek, the AAD advises that you take the right precautions to shield your skin from damaging UV rays.
Photoaging and the Sun
You can't control the natural aging process, one of the primary causes of wrinkles. Older skin is thinner, less springy and more delicate, says MayoClinic.com. Your skin produces less oil, making skin appear wrinkled and dry. Collagen production decreases. But one of the main factors that aids and abets premature wrinkles, rough patches, sun spots and other types of discoloration is repeated sun exposure to UV rays. MayoClinic.com states that UV light damages the collagen and elastin deep inside your dermis. Without collagen and elastin to give your skin support, it becomes less flexible. Premature wrinkles and sagging occur.
Sunburn
You may think of a deep, dark tan as a way to make your skin more appealing, but this is actually your skin's ways of rushing to its own defense when exposed to the sun, according to MayoClinic.com. Sun exposure causes your skin to produce extra pigment, or melanin, which accounts for your tan. But you might not be able to produce enough melanin to give your skin adequate protection. A sunburn is the end result--painful, red, feverish and sometimes blistered skin. Sunburn increases your risk of premature aging and skin cancer, the clinic says.
Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning, also known as polymorphous light eruption, is a condition triggered by exposure to UV rays in individuals who are sensitive to the sun. This itchy rash can erupt within minutes of sun exposure and lasts for a few days up to a week or longer, according to MayoClinic.com. Your risk for sun poisoning increases if you're female, under 30, have fair skin and live in a northern climate, and have a family history of this condition. Sun poisoning generally goes away without the need for treatment, although a cortisone cream or antihistamines may be beneficial to ease discomfort, says the clinic. Spending scant time in the sun and exercising good sun protection are adequate measures to avoid sun poisoning.
Skin Cancer
The most important reason to exercise good sun safety is to decrease your risk for skin cancer. According to the AAD, more than 120,000 people in the U.S. are projected to develop melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, in 2010. The AAD indicates that your best measure of protection is avoiding exposure to the sun. If you notice pain or itching of the skin, bleeding from a mole, or a new spot, these could be signs of melanoma, the AAD says. In addition to using good sun safety, give your skin a comprehensive check every birthday, the AAD advises.
Choosing a Sunscreen
The best way to protect your skin from UV rays is by using sunscreen, MayoClinic.com says. These products fall into two categories: physical sunscreens, which act as a barrier between your skin and the sun; and chemical sunscreens, which absorb harmful rays before they reach your skin. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens may contain more than just one ingredient, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone or mexoryl. The Mayo Clinic advises choosing a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection with a sun protection factor of at least 15. The more conservative AAD advises selecting a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. About 30 minutes before going outside, apply sunscreen generously to all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, advises the AAD. Reapply every two hours or whenever you get out of the water, sweat a lot or rub your face or body with a towel.
Total Sun Protection
In addition to wearing sunscreen, you can take other measures to make sure you stay safe outdoors. The AAD advises staying in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are hottest. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. Be mindful that reflective ground surfaces, such as sand and water, can increase your risk of burning. Avoid tanning beds, too, cautions the AAD. These have the same effect on your skin as the sun.
