Although basking in the sun’s warm rays is extremely relaxing on a worry free weekend, there is always evil lurking in the distance. "Eighty percent of sun damage occurs before the age of 18," says Jody Levine, a pediatric dermatologist in New York City. Later in life, it shows up as wrinkles and skin cancer. "Apply sunscreen during your morning routine. It doesn't have to be sunny for people to wear sunscreen, as damaging rays are always shining, even through window glass," she says (Fox). Skin damage from the sun’s rays show up in a variety of ways. Some of which include: cellular damage, early wrinkling, age spots, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer -- including melanoma, the most serious type. “Tanned skin may be revered as beautiful, but that golden color you see is the result of injury to the epidermis, the top layer of skin. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when outdoors” (Martin). Now, living in the south, we are all very familiar with sunburns. But what we may not all know is that there are different degrees of sunburns because a sunburn is just like any other burn in that it is damage to the skin and different layers of the skin. If you have a sunburn and “blisters form, do not break them – they're a source of moisture and protection. Breaking the blisters may lead to infection. Consider seeing a doctor if you have a blistered sunburn” (Martin). Skin cancer is the most important thing we southerners need to know about. There are many different kinds of skin cancer which are all triggered by the sun’s rays. You may find that it is well worth your time to do a little research for yourself to gain knowledge and perhaps stop cancer before it stops you or someone you love. There is a bibliography included at the bottom of the page for you to do some of your own research but another article worth mentioning which was not directly used in this article is another Web MD. The direct url is: http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/slideshow-precancerous-skin-lesions-and-skin-cancer I hope this article has helped you become more aware of just what the sun is capable of. So buy some good smelling sunscreen because it may be your new fragrance! -Michelle Avritt- |
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