The sun damage you can’t see
PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- The desert sun can do more damage than people realize. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and experts say years of UV exposure can silently damage your skin before you ever notice it.
With extreme UV levels common in the Valley there are warning signs people often miss, the biggest sunscreen mistakes, and the simple steps people can take to protect themselves.
According to skincancer.org 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. When it comes to suburns, having five or more doubles someones risk for melanoma. In the United States more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
Natalie Nasser, MD, FAAD, a Dermatologist at Kaiser Riverside said “We hear so much about sunscreen, but that’s just a small part of the story. It has much more to do with a mindset of sun protection. And, safe sun habits.”
Nasser says real protecting is about building daily healthy habits- those including wearing long sleeves, a wide brim hat, finding shade, and limiting time outside during intense UV hours.
Some of the first places that damage are often the most forgotten. Chandace Sylvester, a Medical Esthetician for SkinLab Palm Desert said the “neck and chest and back of hands are the areas that age the quickest on us. “
Nasser also says don’t ignore skin that is trying to tell you something, such as new or changing spots, spots that are bleeding, scabbing, or crusting. Catching those signs early can save your life.
“I’ve had patients that I’ve lost to skin cancer and we never want to see that happen. I don’t want to lose one person to skin cancer, especially since it’s preventable,” Nasser said.
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