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What is Sun Damage? |
Sun damage, also identified as photo damage, refers to how the sun alters the look
and feel of the skin. Sun damage is a form of extrinsic aging, which is early aging
that is caused by the surroundings. Extrinsic aging is collective, means that effects
exacerbate with repeated, unprotected contact to the sun. |
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What Causes Sun Damage? |
Sun damage is caused by frequent exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV
is an undetectable form of radiation emitted by the sun. There are two types of
UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are the major source
of early aging and skin cancer. UVB rays primarily access the surface of the skin
and are the key source of sunburns. |
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How Often Am I Exposed To Harmful UV
Rays? |
Whether you are walking to your car, driving to work,
or simply sitting near a window, you are exposed to harmful UV rays. This type of
daily contact is known as secondary UV exposure.
Secondary exposure occurs where you least expect it.
It can occur in the shade, on cloudy days, even while you are indoors. It is likely
that the usual individual is exposed to more than 10 hours of indoor UV rays every
week. Add to that over 7 hours of outdoor UV rays a week and without a suitable
shield, your weekly UV-radiation exposure might total nearly 20 hours. That's like
spending the weekend at the beach without wearing sunscreen.
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Sun Damage Prevention
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Protect Yourself: |
Protect yourself against daily sun damage by applying sun protection prior to every
time you are going to be in direct or indirect contact with the sun. The American
Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a product with a Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) of 15 or higher. It should give broad-spectrum UVA and UVB treatment. Daily
sun defense with a moisturizer is the best selection for defending against incidental
UV exposure. |
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Take Cover: |
In order to minimize sun exposure, you should search for shade on every possible
occasion. Firmly woven, loose-fitting, full-length clothing, and a wide-brimmed
hat can offer additional protection. To help avoid damage to your eyes, sunglasses
that block 99% to 100% of UV rays should be worn. |
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Avoid The Afternoon Sun: |
UV rays are at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid the sun during these
hours. This will limit the effects of being in contact with harmful UV rays.
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Oppose The Temptation: |
Refuse to give in to the desire to tan outdoors in natural light or indoors under
artificial UV light (sunlamps or sun beds). UV rays enter the inner layers of the
skin. In reply, the body produces additional melanin. That causes the skin to be
obviously darker. A tan is proof that UV has damaged some of the skin's cells. It
has been verified that a tan is not healthy or safe. |
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Get Expert Advice: |
To help ensure the potential of a healthy, beautiful skin, you should schedule regular
appointments with your dermatologist. He/She can walk you through the steps of a
monthly self-examination. Monthly self-examinations can help make sure that you
discover any abnormal spots or changes to your skin and get proper medicine attention
from your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can also offer education and information
about skin care and explain the numerous sun damage prevention and all treatment
options that are available to you. |
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Dr. Keith Ly
(425) 673-8000 |
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