Avoid Sunburn and Prevent Sun Skin Damage

Sunburn Dangers

Did you know that just a few serious sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer later in life? You don't have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Your skin needs protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever you're outdoors.

Without sun protection, your skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure. So, if your skin looks "a little pink" today, it may be burned tomorrow morning. To prevent further burning, get out of the sun.

There's no other way to say it - tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your skin after time outside - whether sunburn or suntan - indicates damage from UV rays. Any tan is a sign of skin damage. And that damage means you are at increased risk of problems ranging from skin cancer to wrinkles and age spots. Tanning occurs when the skin produces additional pigment (coloring) to protect itself against sunburn from ultraviolet rays. Indoor tanning devices also give off ultraviolet rays that can be as harmful as those from the sun.

Even when it's cloudy and cool, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block UV rays, they filter them - and sometimes only slightly. In the same manner, you can get a sunburn in the middle of winter, especially if you spend the day on the ski slopes. The reflection of the sun off the snow can do a lot of damage to exposed skin. Many people end up with sunburns on their faces while skiing if they don't take precautions and use sunscreens.

People often get sunburned when they are outdoors, unprotected for longer than expected. Remember to plan ahead, and keep sun protection handy - in your car, bag or child's backpack. Use sunscreens and sunblocks correctly. Use sun protective clothing for extra protection against the sun's rays. If you really want to have a darker look, consider self-tanning lotions or spray-on tans.

Remember that sun damage is cumulative. Children have especially sensitive skin. Getting a sunburn or sunburns when they are young can lead to dangerous skin conditions in the future.

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Updated June 2011

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