Annoying Reminders About Sun Protection
We all know the dangers of sun exposure and yet the warmth of the sun on our skin after a long cold winter is hard to deny oneself. Sunlight does have health benefits including its impact on our mood and the production of vitamin D, but prolonged exposure without the proper preventative measures can cause skin and/or eye damage. It not only promotes the appearance of aging and sunspots, but also can lead to melanomas that, undetected, can cause significant health concerns. None of this is new, but it's a friendly reminder to take your self-care seriously, and develop daily routines that include sun protection.
Daily application of sunscreen: Remember, facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than our other skin, and is more susceptible to sun damage. Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It requires at least 15 minutes to sink in, and of course you need to re-apply usually every 2 hours. Most dermatologists would say that sunscreen is a year-round skin protection requirement, not just for summer.
Wear sun protective clothing: Most clothing that is sold as sun-resistant clothing is not the chicest and usually donned by children forced by their parents. As adults, the best is common sense––sleeves versus tank tops, linen pants versus shorts, and most importantly a hat to protect your scalp, hair, and face. Melanomas of the scalp, especially if the person has thick healthy hair, are often missed on routine body checks.
Wear sunglasses: Our eyes are very sensitive to light, and can be damaged by the sun just as our skin can. Always wear a pair of sunglasses on sunny days, no matter what season. The sun’s rays can reflect off of any light surface, from pools to snow. It is difficult to keep sunglasses on small children, so buy an eyeglass lanyard that holds them in place on their faces while they run around.
If a dreaded sunburn occurs, it is especially important to treat the fragile damaged skin immediately and for over a week.
Use soothing creams: Many companies make creams especially for sun damaged skin. If those are not available a basic aloe moisturizer, or another soothing gel can help to treat your burns. Also make sure to stay hydrated, as sun exposure is very dehydrating to the skin.
Seek medical attention for more serious burns: If you develop a blister on your burn, or your redness and pain lasts longer than a few days, call your doctor for an alternative treatment.
Go to the dermatologist annually: Nobody likes to get a full body check at the dermatologist each year. However, it is one of the best ways to prevent sun damage from evolving into a more serious condition, as well as to monitor your skin’s overall health.
