The Risks of Too Much Sun
1/17 The Risks of Catching RaysIt feels good to lounge in the sunshine, but it can hurt your health in the long run. Over the years, too much time outdoors can put you at risk for wrinkles, age spots, scaly patches called actinic keratosis, and skin cancer. Swipe to advance 2/17 SuntanA tan may look nice, but that golden color is due to an injury to the top layer of your skin. When you soak up the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, it speeds up the aging of your skin and raises your risk of skin cancer. To prevent damage, use a "broad spectrum" sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. Swipe to advance 3/17 Sunburn (First-Degree Burns)There's no guesswork about whether you've got a sunburn. Your skin turns red, it feels hot to the touch, and you may have some mild pain. It's called a first-degree burn when it affects only the outer layer of your skin. To get some relief from pain, take aspirin or ibuprofen. Try a cold compress, or apply some moisturizing cream or aloe. Swipe to ad…