PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM Sun Damage

Vitamin D and sunlight are supposed to be good for us, but UV light can make time spent outdoors more treacherous than you’d imagine, especially for your skin. Not only can UVA and UVB light contribute to the likelihood of developing skin cancer, but it quickly accelerates signs of aging and can be the main perpetrator behind wrinkles and dark spots. So, how will you protect your skin from these harmful rays? Clinton Prescott Jr., MD, from Lux Dermatology, has a few tips.

The most important tool against UV rays is wearing sunscreen every time you’re outside, even in winter and especially in snow. “Far too often, people forget,” Dr. Prescott says. Not all sunscreens are, however, created equal, and you should always opt for the highest SPF as well as choose a broad-spectrum option that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Prescott explains the way strength of

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

SPF is calculated is based on how long it protects the skin so going up in strength is never a bad idea.

In general, forgetting to lather up won’t lead to death (although it is possible), but when sun causes slightly pigmented or reddened lesions with a rough texture that become more sensitive over time, that’s a sign of potential pre-cancer and it should be treated by a doctor. A percentage of these lesions can turn into basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, or squamous carcinoma, a more dangerous type of skin cancer, and ignored either can certainly cause extensive damage that requires reconstructive surgery.

Cancer aside, UV rays also accelerate signs of aging and can cause solar lentigines, age spots that are typically more defined on those who spend a lot of time in the sun. Too much time in the sun without proper protection damages collagen and elastic fibers, which causes rhytides (or wrinkles) around the eyes and on the upper lip. Women are more prone to rhytides than men due to their smaller hair follicles.

If you’re already battling signs of sun damage or general aging, some products can help for both treatment and prevention. Any item with hyaluronic acid and/or retinol will combat signs of aging as hyaluronic acid moisturizes skin and retinol increases collagen production. If you already have age spots, reach for hydroquinone, which can bleach out freckles and other sun spots.