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Sunshine levels in England were 45% above a 30 year average this April. A welcome addition at a time when many of our lives have changed, although we should remember that the power of the sun has not changed.
Seeking a glowing complexion can come at a cost. The sun’s rays are the prime reason wrinkles and age spots appear on our face, blood vessels start to become visible under the skin, elasticity is reduced.
Sun damaged skin bruises more easily, heals more slowly and can become sallow, rather than attractive. Beyond premature signs of ageing, the sun’s UV rays are also the cause of a growing medical issue.
Developing Skin Cancer
Precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis and skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma share a key factor.
Their primary cause is over exposure to the sun, which alongside colour change, brings unwanted DNA and immune system damage. You won’t see the outcome instantly, skin cancer waits to bite as the years go by.
A high percentage of sun exposure occurs when we are younger, some estimates suggest as much as 80% before we are 21. Overseas holidays throughout life may have reduced this but the principle still applies.
When we are younger, inflicting damage is far from rare and a rather odd aspect of social conditioning. We wouldn’t opt for repeated x-ray exposure, burn our skin with a fire, or dip our arm into hazardous chemicals.
Reducing The Risk
The medical world does not want to be a killjoy, time in the sun feels welcome and has benefits. We all simply need to take care, when limiting sun exposure is possible and does not have to reduce enjoyment.
Use good quality sunscreen, spend a while in the shade, choose clothing which protects but can still look good. A wide brimmed hat could be valuable and please protect your eyes with wrap around sunglasses.
Staying in control means that you manage changes in your skin cells. Stopping them from growing, or dividing in a haphazard way to cause cancer and keeping them in shape to maintain your looks for years to come.
By all means see more detail on skin cancer treatment if you do have concerns. The section includes advice on staying safe, to set aside a form of cancer which has become all too common, yet is avoidable.