Damaging Effects of Over-Exposure to the Sun

Summer officially begins in another few days but temperatures in many parts of the United States have been consistently over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer activities usually involve spending a lot of time outdoors so it's reasonable to ask, "Should I be overly concerned about over-exposure to the sun?

Let's look at some of the potential dangers:

• Skin damage: An immediate effect of over-exposure to the sun is sunburn. Only someone who has experienced a very severe case of sunburn can truly understand the agony this can bring, which can last for days and may involve peeling and blistering.
• One of the long term effects of sunburn is premature wrinkling and sagging of the skin as well as bruising more easily.
• Developing skin cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that "the incidence of skin cancer in the United States has reached epidemic proportions."

• Damage to the immune system: A World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that one category of ultraviolet light - UVB "appears to reduce the effectiveness of the immune system..." It further notes that cold sores caused by the virus Herpes simplex recur more frequently as the body's ability to defend itself against some diseases is reduced.

Should you be overly concerned about sun exposure? The facts indicate that you should be. Over-exposure damages your skin as well as reduces the immune system's natural ability to effectively deal with damage from sunburn.

To ensure that you are protected, please see the products in our Sun Care Collection that are designed to provide protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Protecting you skin is vital.