The sun is obviously a significant part of living on our planet – it is necessary for life and impossible to completely avoid. As a result, sun damage is not an uncommon problem. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from sun damage, like understanding how the damage occurs and what you can do if you have already experienced it.
Why does sun damage occur?
Individuals get sun damage when their skin has been exposed too much to UV light and UV radiation from the sun. Sunburn is one type of sun damage, and it can happen very quickly – in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. Although the redness of sunburn fades away eventually, true sun damage happens over time. It can be the result of many sunburns, too much sun tanning, or simply too much general exposure to UV rays over many years.
How can I protect myself from sun damage?
Although you cannot completely avoid the sun, you can still protect yourself from its damage. There is not one single thing you can do to prevent sun damage; rather, you have the best chance of preventing it if you do a combination of several things:
- Limit your time in the sun
- Always wear sunscreen, even if it appears to be a cloudy day
- Wear a hat and sunglasses if you are going to be out in the sun for long
- Wear clothing that covers your skin as much as possible
- Reapply sunscreen often, especially if you are in the water
- Choose a bathing suit that has UV protection
What if I already have sun damage?
If you have been in the sun for long periods, you may already have sun damage that doesn’t fade away and is hard to cover up with makeup. These spots can cause dark pigmentation issues and make your skin appear blotchy. This damage is difficult to get rid of, but can be treated with lasers that will fade the spots and remove pigmentation errors, making your skin tone lighter and even.
Fortunately, these laser treatments have the best results when it comes to minimizing sun damage. If you act quickly, you have a greater chance of seeing the darker spots on your face fade with treatment. Once you have treated your skin for sun damage, make sure to take the steps necessary to prevent further damage.
