The Beatdown

While sunshine may lift your spirits, it can do serious harm to the skin. Exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging and also puts you at greater risk of developing skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that, regardless of skin type, a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is essential for year-round use.

Why is the sun so bad?

The sun’s rays, which are called ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB rays) damage your skin. This leads to early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems.

Being in the sun often over time, even if you don’t burn, can lead to skin cancer. A tan is the body’s desperate attempt to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Preventing skin damage

The key is to avoid being in the sun. If you’re going to be in the sun for any length of time, wear clothes made from tight-woven cloth so the sun’s rays can’t get through to your skin, and stay in the shade when you can. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and ears. Always wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 when going outside.

Remember that clouds and water won’t protect you; 60% to 80% of the sun’s rays can get through clouds and can reach swimmers at least one foot below the surface of the water. The sun’s rays can also reflect off of water, snow and white sand.

You don’t need to hide away indoors to protect your skin. Just be smart about your sun exposure and take precautions to keep your skin healthy for years to come.