While some sun exposure can provide us with vitamin D, which supports bone and muscle health, too much can cause skin damage. And that damage can present in many ways, such as fine lines and wrinkles, reduced elasticity, age spots, and liver spots. Sometimes, excessive sun exposure can lead to the development of skin cancers. The most common are basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
How To Protect Your Skin From the Damaging Effects of the Sun
According to the National Institutes of Health, along with the overarching consensus of numerous physicians with dermatology clinics in Houston, TX, one of the best ways to minimize or avoid the damaging effects of the sun is to limit the time you spend in direct sunlight. Both physicians and the U.S. government agency agree that it is best to avoid being outside between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM since this is when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are strongest. A separate study published by the American Cancer Society shows that excessive exposure to UVA rays can cause long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, excessive exposure to UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Another way to protect skin against the damaging effects of the sun is to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors, ideally one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Sunscreens contain compounds that block the ultraviolet radiation responsible for skin damage. Lastly, performing thorough self-exams and scheduling annual full-body, professional skin exams with a licensed dermatologist can help detect skin cancer and other skin problems early when more treatment options are available.
Schedule Your Dermatological Appointment Today
In summary, our skin is our largest and one of our most important organs. That said, protecting it against damage from the sun should be a top priority. To learn more, contact us at www.houstonlasers.com and arrange a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist.
