Although the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation are cumulative, it’s never too late to stop the damage. And, because most older adults and senior citizens take several prescription medications, chances are you’ll need extra protection to prevent photosensitive (or heightened) reactions of your skin to sunlight.
Ideas that Work:
- Take cover. Wear a hat with a brim and a shirt with sleeves, regardless of the season and even on cloudy days.
- Wear sunscreen every day. (Don’t miss your hands, lips, and the tops of your ears.) The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends choosing a sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and, ideally, with the Foundation’s seal of approval. You should apply sunscreen half an hour before you go outside, then reapply after swimming or perspiring heavily. Finally, because sunscreens can completely block the vitamin D available in sunlight, it’s a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement (800 to 1,000 IUs daily).
- Watch the clock. Peak time for sun damage is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daylight savings time. If your shadow is shorter than you are, you’re better off indoors.
- Keep skin clean and moist. After a day in the sun, shower away perspiration and sunscreens, then apply a moisturizing lotion.
- Know your medications. If they can cause photosensitive reactions—characterized by quickly reddening skin, rash, blistering, and swelling—be extra careful to protect your skin.
Treating Damaged Skin
Your doctor might recommend the following for excessively damaged skin:
- Retin-A cream will gently peel away damaged skin and stimulate new skin growth. One caution: Skin treated with Retin-A is extremely sensitive to sunlight, hair dyes, and perfume.
- Dermabrasion involves using a wire brush or other abrasive instruments to remove outer layers of damaged skin.
- Chemical peels use alphahydroxy (fruit) acids to essentially burn away damaged skin.
- Plastic surgery (usually in the form of face lifts and skin tucks) is sometimes an option.
If skin cancers or pre-cancerous lesions arise, you need to consult with your doctor about their removal. To spot a dangerous spot or mole, just remember ABCD:
Asymmetrical—One half of a mole does not match the other half.
- Border—The borders of a mole are not well defined or are blurred.
- Color—A mole has any red, white, blue, or black color to it.
- Diameter—A mole is larger than six millimeters or grows in size.
If you notice any of these characteristics in a mole, or if a mole bleeds, becomes irritated, or oozes pus or fluid, see your doctor right away. Skin cancers caught early are the most treatable.