Although aging is something that happens to everybody, some people seem to develop wrinkles earlier than others. Why is that? A lot of it has to do with genetics, but much of it also has to with lifestyle factors. Roxanna Liu is a licensed aesthetician at Bastrop Total Skin Care, a Bastrop, Texas. She says that, the majority of our aging comes from years of exposure to what is perhaps the skin’s greatest enemy – the sun.
Most people — even those who live in cooler climates — tend to find themselves with sun-damaged skin over time. While younger folks won’t usually show too many signs of sun damage unless their sunbathing habits are extreme and excessive, many people in their 30s or older will begin to display signs of sun-related aging.
What does sun-damaged skin look like? In general, sun-damaged skin tends to feel coarse and rough. Wrinkles are usually a sure sign of sun damage, as are dark patches and areas of redness. Those with extreme sun damage over time will often sport the look of “leathery” skin, and of course, on a short-term basis, those exposed to intense sunlight without adequate protection will walk around looking like overgrown lobsters.
Since sun damage doesn’t tend to paint a pretty picture, it’s important to do your part to prevent it from seeping in and wrecking your skin over time. The following are a few ways to avoid the unpleasant (and often dangerous) effects of sun damage:
Use sunscreen
One of the best ways to prevent sun damage is to get into the habit of using sunscreen at an early age. Contrary to what some might think, you can get sunburned even if dark clouds are in the sky. You can also wind up exposing yourself to sun damage by going outdoors with your skin unprotected, even for limited periods of time. Therefore, if you’re serious about avoiding sun damage, then you’ll need to incorporate sunscreen into your daily skin care routine. Additionally, if you’re planning to spend hours upon hours in the sun, then don’t be fooled into thinking that your morning dose of sunscreen will be enough to last you the entire day. The more time you’re intending to spend outdoors, the more often you’ll need to reapply that sunscreen throughout the day. Remember, too, that sunscreens come in various protective levels. When the sun is at its strongest, you’ll need to up the ante on the defense front by going with SPF 30 or 45. Finally, even if your daily exposure to the sun is likely to be limited to a quick 20-second run across the company parking lot, you should still make a habit of applying a light sunscreen before leaving the house. Many moisturizers come with built-in sunscreen, making it easy to quickly kill two birds with one stone during your regular morning routine.
Limit your exposure
Another great way to prevent sun damage is to limit your exposure to its sometimes-harmful rays. If you’re fair-skinned or have a tendency to burn, then do your best to stay out of the sun during its peak hours of strength, which is about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you can’t avoid the sun during that time, then protect yourself accordingly. In addition to sunscreen, keep your head covered and wear the proper gear to provide a barrier between your body and the sun’s potent glare.
Add antioxidants to your skin care routine
One great method of sun protection comes in the form of antioxidants, which work to shield the skin from the often damaging rays of the sun. A number of skin care products are on the market that contain antioxidants. So in addition to sunscreen, find one that works well for you and use it every morning before you leave the house.
Cover your eyes
When it comes to protecting yourself against sun damage, it’s important to keep your eyes covered for two reasons. The first is that UV rays can detrimentally effect your eyes, and the second is that the more sun you get in your eyes, the more likely you are to squint. What’s wrong with squinting? Nothing, for now, but over time, the frequent act of squinting can result in creases and lines in the affected areas of your face. To safeguard your eyes and your surrounding skin, invest in a pair of sunglasses that offers solid sun blockage and protection.
Remember your lips
As you do your part to protect yourself from sun damage, don’t forget that lips can get sunburned too. To avoid problems, apply some lip balm or lipstick with built-in sunscreen before leaving the house.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
