Harmful sun exposure can happen at any time of year

Posted: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 12:00 am | Updated: 2:58 am, Tue Jan 15, 2013.

(BPT) - Protecting your skin from the sun is a 365 day-a-year job. Summer is officially over, but all the sun exposure from sunny days at a beach, playing outdoor sports or soaking up the rays may have damaged your skin, forming dark brown spots that make your skin look dull and lackluster. Even sun exposure during the winter months can harm your skin. UVA rays, called the rays of aging, are everywhere and can penetrate even on cloudy days and through glass windows in your home or car. These rays are responsible for damage like wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer. Sun damage is cumulative and begins in childhood, so protecting from the early ages – babies too - with sun protection or clothing is an important step.

If you don’t routinely use sunscreen, your skin is at risk for premature aging, and also for developing skin cancer, especially melanoma, the deadliest form. The other consequences that may not be life threatening include wrinkles, an uneven complexion and discoloration and dark spots on the face, chest and hands.