Sun Sense

Sun Sense reduces risk of skin damage later in life

The summer sun feels great. We love to bask in it particularly if you live in temperate zone climate and really miss the sun and its’ warmth. The fact is our body needs sun. It helps synthesize vitamin D through our skin and it has a positive effect on our emotional well being. And it seems most of us feel we look better a bit bronzed.

The truth of the matter is that we need to have “SUN SENSE.” Medical doctors’ advise of the potential danger of UV rays to the skin and exceptional warning are given to people with fair skin. Prolonged or cumulative exposure unprotected from the harmful rays of the sun and put a person a higher risk of cellular damage, premature wrinkling, actinic keratoses, age spots and even various forms of skin cancer. This could even include the development of melanoma the most serious form of skin cancer.

Can you recognize the unhealthy effects of over exposure to the sun? Read on and test your “Sun Sense;” it makes good sense for you and your family.

Sunburn

(First Degree) this is the most common type of skin damage from the UV rays of the sun. Many people have experience the redness that results from sunburn. It appears within hours after the over exposure to the sun and can take from days or even several weeks to fade. Affecting only the outer layer of skin (first degree burn) it can be mildly painful and warm to the touch. Over the counter remedies that may be helpful are pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, cold compresses, and aloe, hydrocortisone, or moisturizing creams may help reduce pain and discomfort.

Sunburn

(Second Degree)
This is a deep tissue burn from the sun that not only damages at several cellular layers; it also can damage nerve endings. The very unsightly bubbling of the skin is an alarm warning to the overzealous sunbather. The characteristic redness, swelling, and blistering is painful and can lead to more serious problems. Seeing a doctor if you have a blistered sunburn is the best course of action.

Wrinkles

(Accelerated Aging) Medical professionals estimate that More than eighty percent of the skins aging is from tanning before the age of eighteen. The harmful effects of the sun’s rays are long lasting and not immediately apparent.  The elastin in the skin is adversely affected and the integrity of these skin fibers is profoundly compromised.  As these fibers breakdown the skin begins to stretch and sag; losing its elasticity for going back in place after being stretched. What is considered a normal part of aging is accelerated by overexposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Sun sense should begin at an early age.