Spring is here! And that means that we’ll all be looking for ways to spend more time outdoors after too many months of being cooped up inside. That also means that it’s time for a reminder to be conscious of how the sun affects your skin.

Sunburns

We tend to be especially vulnerable to sunburns during the spring, when our skin is pale and we haven’t built up melanin to counter the effects of UV light. That’s why even just a half an hour out in the sun can lead to a major sunburn. However, remember that even with high levels of melanin in your skin, you can still be vulnerable to the negative effects of sun exposure. Even a “base tan” will only provide an SPF of about 3.

In order to counter sunburns, be conscious of your time in the sun. Wear sunscreen when you go outside, especially on your face. Limit the length of time you spend sunning, and be wary of the hours between 11 am and 3 pm, as those are the hours when the sun is strongest.

Melanoma and Skin Cancer

The majority of skin cancer cases are melanoma. If found early, it’s often easy to counter melanoma. However, if it’s not caught early, it can spread throughout the body. Melanoma is one of the most common forms of cancer to be found in young adults in their 20’s and 30’s, and despite popular assumption, it can occur anywhere on your skin–not just in the areas which are exposed to the sun the most.

Although there are many risk factors for skin cancer, including family history and age, the primary contributor to skin cancer is sun exposure. If you take smart precautions in the sun, your chances of contracting any form of skin cancer go down significantly.

Wrinkles and Sagging Skin

The sun also creates more common and more subtle damage that everyone will be subject to at some point in their lives. Sun can accelerate the effects of aging on your skin. Exposure to high levels of UV light can lead to a breakdown in the collagen layer of your skin. Although your body repairs the cell damage, it’s usually a less-than-ideal solution, as the new skin will be more thin and delicate, more susceptible to sagging and wrinkling. You might also experience discolored skin and a tougher texture as a result of sun exposure. Sun exposure can also make your skin less elastic, and slow down its ability to repair itself, which makes you more vulnerable to blemishes, sores, and wrinkles.

Tips for Skin Safety in the Sun

  • Wear sunscreen every day
  • Cover up your skin, as even light layers of clothing and shade from a hat can make a significant difference.
  • If you want a darker shade for your skin, use spray tanning or tanning lotion, not tanning beds, which still use harmful UV light.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes too!