Did you know that every tan you get actually damages your skin? Here's a rundown of how to keep your skin safe and healthy as the days get hotter.
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00:00 Summer is not officially here yet,
00:02 but with longer, hotter, and sunnier days,
00:05 you are at risk for sun damage to your skin.
00:08 Here with more is Katherine Anderson,
00:10 a dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic, Florida.
00:13 Thank you, Katherine, for joining us.
00:15 Sure, happy to be here.
00:19 Now, Katherine, are you finding sun damage
00:22 as a growing problem,
00:24 and which hours in the sun are you most at risk?
00:29 Yeah, sun damage has been a growing problem
00:32 both here in the United States and globally
00:35 for quite some time.
00:36 It's probably multifactorial,
00:38 both with people getting older
00:42 and it being more widespread that sun damage
00:46 is something to pay attention to,
00:47 particularly with the risk of skin cancer.
00:51 Classically, we say avoiding the sun
00:53 between the hours of 10 and four
00:56 is the most important time to avoid the sun.
00:58 And that's when the UV index is gonna be the highest,
01:01 so the sun is gonna be most strong.
01:04 Now, there are a lot of options out there
01:07 when it comes to sunscreen.
01:09 So what's the latest advice on choosing a sunscreen?
01:12 Sure, so the most important factors to look for
01:16 when choosing a sunscreen
01:17 is making sure the SPF is 30 or higher,
01:22 and you want it to say broad spectrum.
01:25 Broad spectrum means that it protects you
01:27 both from the UVA rays as well as the UVB rays.
01:32 Now, in terms of sunburns,
01:36 does every sunburn do some damage to your skin
01:40 and can perhaps the sun damage even be reversed?
01:43 Any sunburn and really any sun exposure
01:48 that leads to a tan does cause damage to the skin.
01:53 So it's a bit of a misconception
01:56 that you are only causing damage
01:58 if you get to the point of being burned,
02:01 but even getting a tan does cause damage to the skin.
02:05 Once the skin's been damaged,
02:07 we don't have a way to reverse that sun damage,
02:11 but being diligent moving forward
02:14 can still decrease the likelihood
02:16 of developing precancerous lesions or even skin cancer.
02:21 So if you have caused damage in the past,
02:24 it's not too late to start protecting yourself
02:26 moving forward.
02:28 I know you talked just briefly earlier
02:31 about limiting that sun exposure
02:33 between the hours of 11 and four.
02:35 Any other tips out there to lower your risk of sun damage
02:38 and what should people remember as summer approaches?
02:41 Yeah, so limiting the sun during those peak hours
02:47 when you are out seeking shade is important.
02:50 Shade can protect you from UV rays as well.
02:53 Sun protective clothing has become more stylish
02:57 and more comfortable in the more recent years.
03:00 So broad brimmed hats, sunglasses,
03:03 and long sleeves are great ways to protect yourself as well.
03:07 All right, great advice there.
03:10 Thank you so much, Katherine Anderson
03:13 with the Cleveland Clinic.
03:14 Thank you for your advice and your time.
03:17 Sure, thank you.