Back in the 1960s and 70s, sunblock or sunscreen was almost non-existent. You could buy “sun tanning lotion” that contained a small amount of Sun Protection Factor (SPF), but most products were only 2, 4, or 8 SPF. Often, the main goal of being in the sun was to get a tan. Eventually, however, scientists and doctors came to realize that the sun can cause health consequences, the most dangerous being skin cancer.

Sunburned skin, or even tanned skin, is damaged skin. The “glow” of a suntan is evidence of DNA injury and increases the likelihood of the three most common skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The latter is the most aggressive and most deadly type of skin cancer.

Of course, we should protect our skin from the sun at any age, but our skin becomes more vulnerable and delicate as we age, so protection is even more important as we get older. The best ways to protect your skin from sun damage are:

• Stay in the shade
• Use sunscreen
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that go to the ankles
• Avoid peak exposure times (between 10 am and 4 pm)

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause the damage. There are two types of UV rays: UV-A and UV-B, and the latter is the main cause of sunburns. Unprotected exposure can cause skin damage in as little as 15 minutes. You can also suffer from damaging sun exposure sitting inside a house near a large window, or riding in a car. Even cloudy days do not protect from the sun, because the harmful UV rays come through the clouds.

When using sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It should be sweat-proof or waterproof, and the SPF should be at least 30. Although higher SPF levels are available, the additional protection they provide is only incremental. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before your exposure to the sun, and reapplied every two hours. The most common mistake people make when using sunscreen is not applying enough.

Other conditions can increase your risk from sun exposure. Older men with light colored skin are at greater risk. Other risk factors include having a history of radiation exposure, previous skin cancer, inflammatory skin conditions, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system. Also, avoid prolonged sun exposure if you are taking certain medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, diuretics, NSAIDS, or cholesterol medication. Seniors should check with their medical provider to see if their medications place them at an increased risk for skin damage from the sun.

At SpringBrook, we provide many shady areas from which our residents can enjoy the outdoors. The most popular spots are under the canopy at the front entrance, but our courtyard is also well-used. Our walking path around the turtle pond provides benches with shade in the corner. We also have patio furniture placed in the shade at the start of the path for those who want to sit and take in the lovely view of the Marsh View Trail.