The sun produces two types of ultraviolet (UV) light that are known to damage the skin. UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging, while UVB has a shorter wavelength and causes the skin to burn. If you’d like to avoid seeking out age spot treatment or more serious medical help in the future, here’s why you should put on sunscreen today and every day to minimize contact with both types of rays. 

Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Year-Round

1. Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer

UVA and UVB radiation damage the DNA in your skin cells, resulting in genetic alterations that can lead to skin cancer. Areas of the skin that are commonly exposed to the sun are at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Repeated sunburns, however, can result in melanoma, which can be life-threatening.

Wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen on a daily basis can reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.

2. Maintain Youthful Skin & Avoid Age Spot Treatment

While you might think a suntan gives your skin a young, glowing appearance, frequent sun exposure actually damages your skin. Repeated tanning creates permanent cell damage that causes your skin to prematurely age. This results in wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. 

If you live in a region with a lot of direct sunlight, expect the intensity of UV rays to be stronger. However, even areas with frequent overcast weather can pose a risk. Rays can reflect off of water vapor, snow, ground, and buildings and increase your chances of sunburn. 

3. Indoors Doesn’t Mean Sun Protection

Most homes and buildings are equipped with numerous windows. While glass filters out UVB light, it will not block out UVA rays unless special coatings have been applied. Since you can’t know if every building you enter has provided this unique protection, it’s better to be proactive and wear sunscreen. The same rule applies when riding in cars. 

If your love of the sun has left you with dark spots, wrinkles, or moles, turn to Lauren A Daman, M.D., P.C. for effective treatment options. This dermatology office provides skin surgery, age spot treatment, Botox®, microdermabrasion, and sclerotherapy to patients in Hartford, CT. They use up-to-date technology to ensure the best care possible. Schedule a consultation today by calling (860) 246-3533, and visit their website to learn more about their age spot treatment and other services.