Why Sunscreen is Vital to Your Health
Remember the days when teens and adults laid in the sun, dripping in baby oil? Or when it was “cool” for everyone to spend time in a tanning bed? Even if it was before your time, it wasn’t that long ago that no one seemed to worry about exposure to the sun or UV rays. Sunscreen was for kids and fair-skinned people that burned too easily. However, with everything we know now, no one should be out in the sun without sunscreen.
The obvious reason for sunscreen is to protect your skin from damage that can lead to skin cancer. A person that has had five sunburns in their life doubles their risk of skin cancer. Susceptible areas like the face, hands, arms and chest that are exposed more often should have sunscreen applied whenever you will be outside, even if the sun is hiding behind clouds. UV rays, not sunshine, cause skin damage and can lead to cancer.
Another good reason to wear sunscreen is to protect your skin from damage. As you get older, years out in the sun take a toll on your skin. Sun spots, wrinkles and damaged skin tone are all common for those that spent the 70’s and 80’s lying in the sun unprotected. Sunscreen can help you retain a youthful, healthy appearance, something that can make you more confident and feel better about yourself as you grow older.
It is important to remember that sunscreen should be worn by all skin types and ethnicities, not only Caucasians or fair-skinned people. Skin cancer attacks all ethnic groups and sun exposure is responsible for 90% of the aging of skin. Protect yourself and your family with regular use of sunscreen. If you have any concerning moles or abnormal skin irregularities, schedule an appointment with your local dermatologist for a checkup.
Posted on behalf of:
Medical Dermatology Specialists
5730 Glenridge Drive, Suite T-100
Atlanta GA 30328
(404) 939-9220
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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