Tips for Keeping Your Skin Safe in the Sun

Tips for Keeping Your Skin Safe in the Sun

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and a massive problem worldwide. Everyone is at risk, whether you stay indoors or spend most of your time outside. As more research is done on how UV light affects the skin, more and more dermatologists are recommending a skin care routine that accounts for the sun.

The providers at ENT of New Orleans, with four locations in the Greater New Orleans area, are experts in skin care. As part of summer sun safety month, we've put together these tips to help you protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.

Why sun damage is serious 

Whether you like it or not, you’re constantly being exposed to UV light. Every time you step outside, sit by a window, or get in your car, rays of light penetrate your skin. Windows, clothes, and hats can help shield you, but sunscreen is necessary for broad spectrum protection. 

The effects of sun damage are insidious. Warm sunshine feels good on your skin, and spending time outside is necessary for your mental and physical health. However, even if you spend most of your time indoors, brief moments of exposure can add up over time. While we consider skin cancer the most dangerous outcome of sun exposure, there are many more subtle signs that your skin is getting too much sun. 

Common signs of sun damage

Studies show that 80% of visible aging is caused by exposure to the sun. This means that the sun is the biggest threat to your complexion by far. Everyone knows what it’s like to turn a little red after too much sun, but that’s just one example of what sun damage looks like. 

Here are some other signs of sun damage. Look closely, and you might see them on your own face. 

Many people tend to think that wrinkles and age spots are caused by the passage of time. This is true in a sense, but sun damage can cause these problems to manifest much sooner. UV rays fray the network of proteins that hold your skin together, and encourage the production of pigment. This speeds up aging and causes wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. 

The great thing about sun damage is that it’s never too late to prevent it. Even if you’re showing some of the signs, you can prevent further damage and seek treatment to tighten and brighten your skin. Just being more aware of sun damage is a step in the right direction. 

Protecting your skin from the sun 

Every summer, dermatologists and doctors emphasize the importance of sun safety. It should be on your mind year-round, but it’s especially important when outdoor activities are at their height. 

Follow these tips to help protect yourself from the sun:

Interested in improving your skin care routine? Get in touch with the team at ENT of New Orleans. We can help you find a sunscreen that works, and offer skin rejuvenation treatments to treat existing sun damage. Schedule a consultation by calling the location closest to you, or request an appointment online

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