How To Protect Yourself from The Sun: A dermatologist’s perspective 

We all love to feel the sun on our skin—in fact, a lack of it can cause a variety of health problems, including a vitamin D deficiency. However, as we all know, skin damage caused by UV rays can lead to many issues. Skin cancer is, of course, one of the most serious. But the sun is also responsible for accelerated skin aging.

But fear not, there are ways that you can get your regular dose of sunshine while protecting your delicate outer layer from damage. All you need do is ask a dermatologist…

A Dermatologist’s Guide to Sun Exposure: The do’s and don’ts 

• Everything you need to know about sun damage
• Essential information about skin cancer

Everything you need to know about sun damage 

UV rays from the sun penetrate the skin and cause damage to its delicate structure. It’s responsible for accelerating many of the signs of aging, including: 

• Fine lines
• Crow’s feet
• Wrinkles
• Discoloration
• Age spots

When you experience sunburn at any level, the skin tissues undergo irreversible damage. For those with fair skin, red hair, or a family history of skin cancer and/or premature aging, the risk of sun damage is higher than normal.

Even for those who aren’t in the elevated risk categories, excess sun exposure without adequate protection will speed up the natural aging process of the skin. The areas that undergo more UV rays than others, such as the face, hands, arms, and perhaps the lower legs, typically develop tougher skin and deeper lines than the rest of the body. You might also see that these areas bruise more easily as well. This is because tin damaged skin, the structure has become more fragile.

Essential information about skin cancer 

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body. There are different kinds, but there are three important underlying factors about all of them:

If skin cancer is diagnosed early, then the prognosis for a complete recovery is very positive

The risk of skin cancer can be dramatically reduced with adequate sun protection

If you’ve had skin cancer in the past, the likelihood of a further diagnosis is increased—but once again, can be reduced by protecting the skin from UV ray exposure

From Check-Ups to SPF: Sun damage protection is an ongoing process

• Signs of sun damage and FAQs regarding protection

Signs of sun damage and FAQs regarding protection 

Sun damage can be acute—such as sunburn—or appear slowly over years. In addition to the signs mentioned above, other, less obvious signs include:

• Itchy, dry skin in areas that have regular sun exposure
• Moles that change shape, itch, or bleed
• Uneven skin tone
• Scaly, rough patches of skin that look like warts
• Rosacea, often referred to as adult acne
• Areas of the skin that become overly sensitive

The key to reducing skin damage is a combination of regular check-ups and protecting your skin from the sun. Protection should be a combination of various methods: 

• Use a high factor sun protection cream—even when it’s cloudy
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever you’re out in the sun
• Wear clothing that covers your body, arms, and legs during the hottest hours of the day
• Seek shade whenever possible
• Don’t use sunbeds
• Reduce the number of hours you spend in full sunlight

Worried about Skin Cancer or Sun Damage? Contact Bayou City Dermatology Today

Whether you’ve got a particular concern or simply need a yearly or bi-yearly check-up, the experts at Bayou City Dermatology provide the ultimate in advice and treatment regarding sun damage and/or skin cancer.

This applies to those in the at-risk categories and anyone else who’s ever experienced sunburn or is concerned that there’s a change in the condition of their skin.

Visit https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/sun-damage to find out more and get in contact to make your appointment with a sun damage consultant today.