In the summer—or any season for that matter—protecting your kids from the sun’s harmful rays is a must. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is estimated that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood—that one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life. Protect your children now so that you can protect them for a lifetime from skin cancer and other skin conditions.

The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics offer five important steps to sun safety for children. By following these tips, you can continue to protect your children from the harmful effects of the sun:

• Limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Even when it is cloudy or cool out, the ultraviolet (UV) rays continue to remain strong. Shady areas can even be tricky because of reflected light. 
   
• Apply sunscreen properly. Thirty minutes prior to your child going out in the sun, it is important to apply sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 or higher. Scented or colorful sunscreens might appeal to some kids and can even make it easier to see which areas have been covered properly. When applying sunscreen, don’t forget the nose, ears, hands, feet, shoulders and behind the neck.
   
• Cover up. Wearing protective clothing is also an excellent choice in protecting your children from the sun’s harmful rays. When wet, light-colored clothing transmits just as much sunlight as bare skin, so keep your kids covered in dark colors, long sleeves and pants whenever possible. Also, don’t forget the sunglasses and hats for added protection.
   
• Understand your child’s medications. Some medications can increase your child’s skin sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to ask your doctor whether your child is at risk or not. The most notorious culprits of this sensitivity tend to be prescription antibiotics and acne medications.
   
• Set a good example. Remember, your children will often mirror your actions so make sure you follow these sun safety rules as well.  Skin protection is not only important for children, but it is vital for every member of the family—regardless of age. Team up with your children and stay protected when life brings you outside to bask in the sunshine.

Contact your dermatologist for more information on how you can successfully protect your children from the sun’s harmful rays. While it is not required to avoid the sun altogether, your dermatologist does urge you to take every precaution possible to protect your child for a lifetime. 

Sun damage, also known as photo aging, refers to how repeated sun exposure over time alters the appearance and feel of the skin. Too much time spent in the sun can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin tone and even cancer, making you appear older than you really are.

Like the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And the good news is that by protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays now, you can actually put a halt to additional skin damage and even start to reverse the damage you’ve already accumulated.

1. Be Sun Smart
   It may seem like a no-brainer, but the first step to reversing sun damage is to get out of the sun. Limit your amount of exposure to the sun—especially during peak hours—and always apply sunscreen. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and cover up with a wide-brimmed hat.
    
2. Hydrate
   Too much sun exposure can dry out your skin. Apply a high-quality moisturizer daily to replenish dry skin and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its smooth texture and appearance.
    
3. Exfoliate
   While showering, exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells from the top layer of your face and body. This will help to improve skin tone and minimize fine lines.
    
4. Healthy Diet
   Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet high in vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants help repair damaged skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fade skin discoloration.
    
5. Consult Your Dermatologist
   Depending on the extent and type of sun damage, you may want to talk to a trained dermatologist for treatment options. Visiting a dermatologist is not only important to look for precancerous cells, but a professional can also make recommendations for treatment to reduce the appearance of sun damaged skin.
   
   Cosmetic treatments, such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser therapy and fillers are just a few procedures that can reduce visible signs of sun damage and restore the youthful appearance of your skin.
   
   The sun can do a number on your skin, leaving it depleted, dull and damaged. Don’t expect immediate results, but regular care, prevention and treatment will lead to the reversal of sun damage and improve your skin complexion for the better over time.

Many people enjoy basking in the sun and spending extra hours outside, especially in the summertime. Unfortunately, too much time spent soaking up the sun’s rays can be damaging to our skin, as evidenced by a dull, wrinkled complexion that makes us appear older than we really are.

Premature skin damage and wrinkling from sun exposure is known as photoaging. Unlike natural aging, photoaging causes dry, leathery and discolored skin, as well as deep wrinkles and sunspots. Talk to your dermatologist for easy ways to minimize sun damage and restore your youthful appearance. There are many ways we can help you soften and remove those unwanted wrinkles brought on by sun exposure.

Here are a few tips for improving sun damaged skin:

Moisturize. Because the sun is very drying, it is important that you rehydrate your damaged skin by applying moisturizer daily. This is an easy way to restore the moisture lost from over-exposure to the sun and improve dull, leathery looking skin.

Chemical Peels. Chemical peel applications are effective for removing fine lines, minimizing sun damage and smoothing out the skin. This procedure removes the damaged upper surface of the skin to expose newer, brighter skin.

Mircodermabrasion. This nonsurgical procedure involves exfoliating the top layer of aging skin to stimulate new skin growth. This procedure works best on mild to moderate skin damage and may require multiple treatments. Following treatment, fine lines appear softened and wrinkles are shallowed. Your skin will be rejuvenated, smoother and younger looking.

Laser skin resurfacing. This laser treatment uses high-energy light to remove a thin layer of damaged skin. As the skin is dissolved, it also minimizes wrinkles, sunspots and scars. New, blemish-free skin grows back smoother and tighter, which results in a younger looking you.

Prevention. Remember, prevention is key to addressing sunspots, wrinkles and other types of sun damage. Be smart when you’re outdoors, and limit the amount of exposure you get to the sun. Prior to stepping outside, always apply sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses and seek shade when possible.

The good news is that with proper prevention and a treatment plan to repair signs of sun damage, you can restore your youthful glow. Talk to a qualified dermatologist and find out if you are a candidate for any of these cosmetic procedures.