Sun Damage Facts - Sun Damage Information - Sun Damage Treatments
If you are a sun worshiper, you probably share several characteristics with other sun worshipers. You like to look healthy. You like the outdoors. You have sun-damaged skin. You may also share an increased risk of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer. In order to avoid these risks, you do not have to give up the sun. But you do need to avoid overexposing your skin to the sun.
The first thing you need to realize is that sun exposure will damage your skin. If your exposure is moderate, your skin will adapt (by thickening and by forming melanin); then it will repair itself. If you tan deeply over a period of several years, these protective mechanisms can backfire. Your skin may become permanently thickened and discolored. These skin changes can cause you to develop premature wrinkling and skin lesions. For some people, the outer layer (or lens) of the eye also thickens in response to sun exposure and forms a cataract.
SUN DAMAGE AND SKIN CANCER:
Too much sun at any one time can lead to sunburn. The redness, pain and swelling from a sunburn are comparable to any other type of burn. In most cases, your discomfort (or pain) will be temporary. However, the long-term effects of multiple sunburns are cumulative. If you have six or more sunburns in your lifetime, your risk of some skin cancers is 2.4 times that of someone who had never had a sunburn.
Another problem some sunbathers develop is a form of sun allergy (commonly called "sun poisoning"). If this condition develops, you will notice red patches on your exposed skin that itch and burn. If this happens, the best thing you can do is avoid the sun. If you are using any type of skin product, taking medication or exposing yourself for long periods of time, altering your habits might lead to an improvement in your condition and allow you to continue to enjoy some sun exposure.
SUN TIPS YOU CAN COUNT ON:
To protect your skin from blotches, wrinkles and cancer, always use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater (the number will be on the label).
If you have oily skin, choose an alcohol-based sunscreen instead of a cream, to help prevent acne.
If you burn easily, freckle or have light hair and eyes, be extra careful and apply a sunscreen with a higher SPF factor and reapply every hour if sweating or swimming.
Choose a PABA-free sunscreen if you are allergic to PABA (words like "PABA-free" will be on the label).
Be super careful to use sunscreen if you're taking water pills or medications (including antibiotics) for acne. These medications increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun!
Your tan won't protect you from burning! Even if you already have a tan, use sunscreen to keep your skin even-toned, young-looking and safe.
If you go swimming or perspire heavily, use a sunscreen that's waterproof. Don't forget to reapply your sunscreen after swimming or perspiring heavily.
Don't be fooled by cloudy skies - you should still apply sunscreen if you're outside. The sun can wreck your complexion even if it's not sunny out.
For the best results, apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside. You'll need to use about one ounce to cover your whole body.
If possible, avoid being out in the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to help prevent heat exhaustion.
When you're on the beach, especially midday, wear light, protective clothing if you can: hats, jeans or pants and long-sleeved tops.
Pre-tan accelerators, which stimulate your skin's tanning rate, are not sunscreens. There's no proof that they're safe.
Tanning pills are definitely not safe. Some can turn your skin a gross shade of yellow and damage your internal organs.
Forget tanning booths! They could give you first- and second-degree burns - not to mention premature wrinkles, eye damage, harm to the immune system and cancer.
Remember: It's never too late to help your skin look its best. No matter how many times you've been burned or tanned before, you can start fighting blotches, wrinkles and skin cancer by using a sunscreen now.
Protect your eyes too: wear sunglasses with EPF 10+ (100% UV blockage).
TREATMENT FOR SUNBURN:
If this information is too late to help you prevent sunburn, there are some strategies for helping you survive the crisis:
If your burn hurts, soak it for five minutes in cold (not ice) water or apply cold compresses. This will provide immediate relief and lessen your swelling.
Avoid greasy substances. They "seal" in the heat and cause further damage.
Avoid cooling lotions with menthol or camphor. They feel good, but can cause allergic reactions. First aid sprays with benzocaine can cause similar reactions and are not advised.
If your entire body is tender, a cup of dry instant oatmeal in a tub of water can provide a soothing bath.
If your sunburn causes blisters, swelling and oozing of fluid, it is a second degree burn. See a practitioner. Do not use lotions or creams on the burn. To avoid infection, do not break blisters or peel skin.
Take a pain reliever of your choice, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), for discomfort.
Drink plenty of fluids. Your body will lose moisture due to your burn. Cool fluids will also help you feel more comfortable.