Atone for sunbathing - Ask the experts: answers to your questions from the leaders in natural medicine - skin care tips - Brief Article

Natural Health, July, 2003

When I was young, I got at least one bad sunburn a year. Can I do anything now to reverse the damage?

ROBERT ANDERSON, M.D., REPLIES: As much as you might wish to undo sun-burning, unfortunately you can't. But you can protect your skin today and still lower your chance of getting wrinkles and skin cancer. That's because both past and current sun exposure contribute to your risk.

Because of your bad sunburns, you should be vigilant about avoiding sun exposure. When you go outside, always apply sunblock (SPF 15 or higher). If you'll be out for more than seven minutes, wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants or skirt. Limit your time outdoors to less than 40 minutes a day, even though you've applied sunblock and dressed appropriately. Keep these habits even if you're not directly in the sun; shade and clouds don't protect you from burning rays. And as you probably already realize, tanning salons are absolute no-nos. People who don't have a history of bad sunburns don't need to be quite this strict. But they should use sunblock and cover up with clothes if they venture outdoors for more than 30 minutes.