The 7 Risks of Sun Exposure

In the summer, many people find themselves meandering over to neighboring pools or vacationing to beaches to escape the heat. You have just entered into the risky territory of sun exposure. The problem is that you forgot the sun block or you simply stay out too long in very sunny conditions. Either way, skin conditions may begin to develop. In today’s culture, the tanned skin is all the rage, but is it worth risking your life? Is it worth the chemotherapy and horrid treatments you must endure when you are diagnosed with skin cancer? Is it worth the painful blisters and burns? What is it worth to you? Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of those sunny skies.

1. Sunburns

A sunburn is actually a first-degree burn. Although it does lead to that “natural glow” that everyone seems to want, burning the epidermis (top layer of your skin) is not always the best way to go. Reach for the aloe cream and remember sun block next time. Sunburns leave you at risk for developing skin cancer, melanoma.

2. Blisters

Blisters are second degree sunburns. They are more severe and instead of just redness and peeling, these burns tend to leave blisters when they heal. It is important that you don’t try to pop these blisters for they are providing your body with necessary moisture and protection. Enjoy those big blisters; they are protecting your skin when you don’t…and remember next time, use sun block!

3. Age Spots

Visible skin damage can occur and stay much longer than the usual burn of blister. Age spots, for example, do not occur because of old age. It is because of excessive sun exposure.

4. Uneven Skin Tone/Freckles

Uneven skin tone and freckles are due to the different pigments in your skin reacting differently to the sun. While all of these may seem very innocent, it is a harsh reality that skin cancer can easily hide in an age spot or one misshapen freckle. You must be very careful and see you dermatologist for a full skin care screening.

5. Wrinkles

Wrinkles are mainly due to sun damage. In fact, over 80% of skin damage in later years is because of the tans you received before you even hit the young age of 18. The less you protected your skin back then, the more you’ll regret it now. I’m sure now you’d give anything for a little bit of good sense and SPF 30 back when you were a teenager.

6. Cataracts

Looking directly into the sun with no protection is a great way to develop cataracts. Cataracts occur over the lens of your eye and cause double vision, blurred vision, or glares from light. It can be surgically fixed, but a pair of protective sunglasses will be a lot cheaper. Invest in a pair.

7. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is obviously the largest concern from sun damage. Any time you are out in the sun, unprotected, you are at risk for contracting any of the many forms of skin cancer. Wouldn’t it just be easier to lather up in sunscreen and take on the fall, pale but knowing that you will be safe?

Yes, a sunburn is painful but most of all it puts you at significant risk for the development of skin cancer…treatment of skin cancer is no walk in the park so if you can do your part and protect your skin in the first place, then you will be a much happier camper!