Is It Too Late to Protect Your Skin from the Sun?
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.
No matter how much sun exposure you’ve had, it’s never too late to prevent future skin damage. Even if you already have sun damage, taking steps to protect your skin now can help prevent further harm.
PIH Health Family Medicine Specialist, Erika Abueg DO says, “Sun protection isn’t just about preventing sunburn—it also reduces the risk of premature aging and lowers your chances of developing skin cancer.” Even if you’ve been a sun worshipper for years, making changes today can still make a difference.
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.
Dr. Abueg tells us, “More importantly, the sun’s rays can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is a serious type of skin cancer. People who spent a lot of time in the sun, especially in their youth, should see a dermatologist for regular skin cancer screening exams as an adult.”
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 am and 4 pm. 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.
Erika May Abueg DO
Erika Abueg DO is a family medicine practitioner with subspecialties in women's health and geriatrics. After earning her medical degree, she completed her residency at PIH Health Whittier Hospital, where she completed an academic track in the treatment of tropical diseases that consisted of extra training in Sierra Leone. One of Dr. Abueg’s strength is her ability to build trust and rapport with patients. Family medicine allows her to see a variety of patients and concerns throughout the day, making every day interesting and fulfilling. She loves solving acute problems and managing chronic diseases to help her patients get better. She also likes to see patients gain more confidence in taking care of their own health. In her free time, Dr. Abueg enjoys hiking with her dogs, exercising and playing board games with friends.
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