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Posts for tag: sun damage
In dermatology, acceptance and responsibility are two key components that we need. Why? Well, I will tell you why.
The lack of protection from the sun is one of the underlying driving forces to precancers (actinic keratosis), wrinkles, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. Unfortunately, most every person does not apply the amount of sun protection that they should. It’s essential that we wear sunscreen and protect ourselves. Even a scientific study done on farmers in west Texas backs this up. When sunscreen was applied to one half of the face and not the other half during three months of summer, the side of the face with sunscreen applied every day has half as many precancer (actinic keratosis) growths as the other side of the face.
This simple study demonstrated the power of daily sunscreen for reducing precancer lesions. On top of this, we know that age spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer are caused by sun exposure.
So, to get our skin looking and feeling the best, we need to use sunscreen every day. This can be in the form of lotions, sunscreens themselves, and make up for women. In addition, choosing a sunscreen that has the proper ingredients is key. Finding sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide is useful since these ingredients are physical blockers. This means that they bounce the sun off the skin. Another quality ingredient in sunscreen is Avobenzone or Parsol 1789. This is also an excellent ingredient which can be a powerful agent in preventing sun damage.
Use daily sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide or Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) to reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. The simple habit could pay big dividends!
How does ‘Slow Sun’ cause damage?
‘Slow Sun’ or ‘Incidental Sun’ is the sun we get without even knowing it.
When we get in and out of our car going to and from work we often do not realize we might be getting sun exposure. Unfortunately, the small segments of exposure to harmful UV rays we get intermittently throughout our life actually add up. It has been estimated up to 85% of the cumulative sun exposure comes from this ‘Incidental Sun.’
What does chronic sun exposure do to the skin?
It can lead to signs of sun damage. This includes roughness in texture, brown or red spot development and wrinkles most often. These features are often felt to be signs of aging. It is not as noticeable at first, but something does occur with continued exposure. This something is the development of precancerous lesions termed ACTINIC KERATOSIS. These are usually rough and scaling growths on the sun exposed part of the body. In addition, high lifetime UV exposure can lead to an increased risk of BASAL CELL CARCINOMA and SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA. So each day we get some exposure we are increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Be aware of your cumulative sun exposure, even that from childhood. All sun exposure plays a role in the development of skin cancer and precancerous lesions. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and cover up!
What could excessive sun exposure potentially do to my skin?
- Increase signs of aging
- Wrinkles
- Leathery appearance
- Pigment Changes
- Age Spots
- Loss of Elasticity
- Broken blood vessels
- Freckles
- Greatly increase your chances of getting skin cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma- the most common form of skin cancer found in the outer most layer of the skin
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma- the second most common form of skin cancer that can cause disfigurement
- Melanoma- the most serious form of skin cancer that is potentially fatal
Yes, you read that right. Exposing your skin to the sun without protection can cause you to look older, damage your skin and even potentially cause death. Skin cancer is a serious problem that most people overlook. Protecting your skin from the sun by taking the proper precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, can make you happier and healthier. Wearing your sunscreen can save your life!
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