June 29, 2004

By: Lily Fleming
Website: http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com

Chronic sun exposure eventually can cause signs of premature aging

Warmer weather is here, and that means it's time for hundreds of thousands of young people to visit beaches and local tanning salons. But whether the tan comes from a salon, or the sun, young people are not doing their skin any favors.

Do Your Skin a Favor: Skip the Spring Break Tan of young people to visit beaches and local tanning salons. But whether the tan comes from a salon, or the sun, young people are not doing their skin any favors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants to warn high school and college students that chronic sun exposure eventually can cause signs of premature aging - including wrinkles, sagging cheeks and skin discoloration.

The AAP also says that long-term sun exposure is a key factor in the development of skin cancer. Most 'non-melanoma' skin cancers are caused by unprotected sun exposure in childhood and adolescence -- specifically ultraviolet or 'UV-A' and 'UV-B' rays. Research shows that bulbs at tanning salons emit ultraviolet rays too. Sophie J. Balk, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Environmental Health says, There is really no such thing as a safe tan - all tans cause skin damage.

The deadliest form of skin cancer, called 'melanoma', killed about 7,800 people in the United States last year, and that number is expected to rise this year. Melanoma often strikes people who suffer deep, intense sunburns, particularly in childhood and adolescence.

But it's not too late for high school and college kids to prevent further damage to their skin - and they don't have to give up their warm weather fun either. Just remember these tips:

* The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.

* Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The risk of tanning and burning also increases at higher altitude.

* Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater should be effective for most people. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.

* Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

* Some self-tanning products contain sunscreen, but others don't, so read the labels carefully. In addition, tanning oils or baby oil may make skin look shiny and soft, but they provide no protection from the sun.

Also see: dry skin creams

About The Author:

Lily Fleming is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com.  Tips on skin care, hair care and beauty products to bring out natural beauty.