Do you want to prevent wrinkles and the signs of aging? Do you want to reduce dark spots and discoloration in your complexion? Do you want to decrease your risk of skin cancer? Then you must protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning creates damage in our skin’s cells and DNA. Visible damage may not show up until many years later in the form of wrinkles, “age spots”, and growths on the skin. When genes that control cell growth are damaged, cells can grow out of control and become skin cancer. UV rays also contribute to cataracts and other eye disorders.

It’s very simple to get started on the path to sun protection. Get yourself a big hat. Wear sunscreen every day. Wear shirts with sleeves while driving and outside. Use an umbrella at the beach. Even if you don’t go out in the sun very much, you still come in contact with rays while driving and when near windows. That daily exposure compounds over time. If you make a habit of protecting your exposed skin on a regular basis then you will age better. I believe that daily protection is one of the most important anti-aging things that we can do for ourselves.

For all around sun protection, the American Cancer Society suggests that we remember to SLIP SLOP SLAP WRAP.

SLIP on a long sleeve shirt
SLOP on sunscreen
SLAP on a wide brimmed hat
WRAP your eyes in sunglasses

Now that you know what to do, go grab your sunscreen and have a great day!

Elisa Conway, NP-C