Sun Damage: Prevention and When to Seek Treatment

What to know

Sun protection lowers the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, but sunscreen is not a “cure for aging” and cannot reverse all existing damage. For related guidance, read Protecting Skin From Sun Damage.

Use several protections together: shade, clothing, hats, and a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin. A closely connected Healthy Pulse article covers Sunscreen Guide.

A practical approach

• Apply enough sunscreen before outdoor exposure.
• Cover commonly missed areas such as ears, neck, and the tops of feet.
• Reapply about every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
• Choose a formula you can use consistently and that suits your skin.
• Seek care for a changing mole, non-healing lesion, severe burn, or concerning pigmentation.

Safety and limits

Infants, allergy-prone skin, pregnancy, and photosensitizing medicines may need product-specific advice. Sun protection reduces risk; it does not make prolonged exposure risk-free. Continue with Sun Protection for another practical perspective.

Sources and further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology guidance on how do i know if i am using the right sunscreen?
• American Academy of Dermatology guidance on skin care on a budget