No matter how much sun exposure you’ve had, it’s never too late to prevent future skin damage.
We've all spent time in the sun without thinking much about the damage it can cause. Maybe you used tanning oil in your younger years, skipped sunscreen on cloudy days or were a fan of tanning beds. Now you might be wondering if it’s too late to start protecting your skin.
The fact is that it’s never too late.
Even if you already have sun damage, taking steps to protect your skin now can help prevent further harm. Sun protection isn’t just about preventing sunburn—it also reduces the risk of premature aging and lowers your chances of developing skin cancer. Whether you’ve been a sun-worshiper for years or you’re just starting to think about skincare, making changes today can still make a difference.
What Sun Exposure Does to Your Skin
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can harm your skin. When your skin is exposed to the sun without protection, UV rays can reach the inner layers of the skin. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburns, making your skin red and painful. Over time, these UV rays can cause your skin to age faster, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone and leathery skin. More importantly, the sun’s rays can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is a serious type of skin cancer.
How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Even if you've had a lot of sun exposure in the past, starting to protect your skin now can make a big difference. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Use sunscreen daily. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin every day. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing. Covering up can provide an extra layer of protection. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays. Some clothing even comes with a UV protection factor (UPF) rating.
- Seek shade. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these hours, try to stay in the shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter.
- Be extra cautious near water, snow and sand. These surfaces can reflect the sun's rays, increasing the chance of sun damage. Make sure to apply sunscreen and take other protective measures when you're around them.
- Avoid tanning beds. It's best to avoid tanning beds to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. They emit UV radiation that can be just as harmful (or more!) as the sun.
Your skin is your body's largest organ and taking care of it is important at every age. While you can't undo past sun exposure, you can reduce the risk of future skin problems by taking protective steps starting today.
