How protecting your skin from the sun helps you look younger comes with a bit of a warning. If you are not old enough to know what we are talking about, you probably won’t pay attention. If you are old enough to be seeing some skin damage in the mirror, you best give your full attention.
Learning to prevent sun damage on your skin should start at an early age. Did your mom send you out in a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun?
Now we know the importance of sun protection. I didn’t know how dangerous the sun was and how quickly the damage from UV rays from the sun would start. I thought those expensive cosmetics would stop the damage, without a change in behavior from me.
Of course, by the time I tried the cosmetics, there was so much damage to both my skin and my 3 kids’ skin that we have all been paying the price ever since. And just a short note, the products did not undo the damage. It is still there and regular exams are a part of our routine now.
Do you want to miss the regular visits to have skin cancer spots removed? Want to skip living in fear there will be melanoma diagnosed next trip? Make sure you make better and smarter decisions. Protecting your skin from the sun is important and changing lifestyles does make a difference.
What About Premature Aging and Other Skin Damage?
Let’s have just a brief review of what we are avoiding and watching out for on our skin and the skin of our family.
One of the first sun-related skin disorders is the early aging of our skin. The early aging may not be visible, but when skin is unprotected from the sun it is happening. That is the frightening part. We are not always aware of when it is happening.
For me, the result of too much sun on my skin was the little patches called actinic keratoses. They are little growths or raised places on the areas of my skin where the sun could get to my body. My hands, arms, face, ears, and neck. Also in the front of my neck where the shirt didn’t cover.
These weren’t actually skin cancers yet, but where they would eventually show up. These are just places where the skin didn’t quite heal back like it was, leaving overlapping skin cells that eventually would not go back smoothly. They had lost their DNA for proper regrowth.
Check out your skin, and look for raised and ruddy-looking skin that isn’t smooth like the rest. Get some medical advice should you see something that is similar or fits this description.
Do you have Chronic Sun Exposure?
You have chronic sun exposure if your exposure is consistent and repetitive. Do you work outdoors on a daily basis, or several days a week? Statics seem to imply that you are not as apt to have melanoma as you are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, but you still run risks when you are out in the sun.
Again, the statics indicate that the ones who have infrequent sun exposure seem to have melanoma. Please know that the statics gathering for skin cancer is still a new thing, and the statics change quickly. Any abnormality should be examined by a medical professional.
Since sun exposure comes over time, and occurs gradually, it is often many years after the exposure before you began to see the full results of too much sun on your skin. Some see this as a “get home free” card and think they are special, and not receiving skin damage.
Up to 90% of the visible skin changes that are related to getting older are sun-related. With good skin protection, this damage can be slowed way down and your skin can look and feel younger.
How Protecting your Skin Helps you look Younger.
What is it with us that we don’t want to cover up when we are out in the sun? I know for me, part of the experience is the warm feeling on my skin. I will also admit that the warm feeling usually becomes a hot feeling, pretty quickly.
However, the heat of being covered in sunscreen from head to toe was not a good feeling. I felt oily and sticky! Now that I know about choosing a shirt the sun can’t shine through, just having sunscreen on my face is easier.
I don’t want to look any older, so I put on sunscreen in the mornings before brushing my teeth. I know which shirt to wear when getting out. And, I grab my sun blocking hat and sunglasses.
What person in their right mind would want UV damage? Sun damage will lead to wrinkles and age spots! A dull uneven completion? Not me!
Do you have a plan? A plan that will help protect from early aging?
How Sun Blocking Clothing Keeps Your Skin From Looking Old
Using sun blocking clothing or UPF-rated, or sun-prevention clothing is important in your plan for protecting your skin. Covering your skin with sun blocking clothing or sunscreen is a must.
The results of protecting your skin are:
Fewer Wrinkles: Sun damage shows up in wrinkles around the eyes and mouth first. They make you look older than you are. Stay out of the direct sun, cover your skin, and use sunscreen. This is not an either-or statement, do all 3 suggested preventions to stay younger looking.
Reduces Age Spots: Those age spots are sun damage and are usually on your face and hands. Wear a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt of tightly woven fabric. Put sunscreen on your face and the tops of your hands. Keep these spots from appearing on your skin.
Avoid an Uneven completion: Sun damage results in a ruddy complexion that looks uneven, not smooth with small pores in your skin. Wearing a wide-brim hat and sunscreen can keep a younger overall appearance.
Keep Skin Hydrated: sun exposure causes the skin to dry out and look dull and lifeless. Use sunscreen with moisturizers to maintain healthy young skin.
Sami’s Take On 7 Risks Kids Face from the Sun “Just Because They Are Kids.”
There is one more risk, that parents need to keep in mind that can make their kids at higher risk for sun damage. Medication
Check the labels of the medications your kids need. Make sure they are not on the list to raise your kid’s risks.
List of drugs for young kids’ parents:
- Antihistamines: These are medicines that help with allergies and allergic reactions.
- Coal Tar and Derivatives: These are medicines that treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Contraceptives, Oral, and Estrogens: Medicines used to prevent pregnancy and treat certain medical conditions.
- Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These are medicines used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but should only be given under the supervision of a doctor.
- Phenothiazines: These are medicines used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
- Psoralens: These are medicines used to treat skin conditions such as vitiligo.
- Sulfonamides: These are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.
- Sulfonylureas: These are medicines used to treat diabetes.
- Thiazide Diuretics: These are medicines used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Tetracyclines: These are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: These are medicines used to treat depression, but should only be given under the supervision of a doctor.
It’s important to always consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medication to your child, as they can advise you on the proper dosage and potential side effects.
Thank you,
Sami
By wearing sunscreen, remembering sun blocking clothing, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and staying hydrated, your skin looks healthy and radiant for years to come. It’s never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun.
Will you be preventing early aging of your skin with a combination of lifestyle changes and skincare habits? By protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and establishing a skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking youthful and radiant for years to come.