All the ultraviolet exposure (sun!) that your skin endures through your lifetime accumulates and cannot be subtracted, just like the miles your car accrues as shown on its odometer.

While the skin has incredible abilities to renew surface cells, repair damage, and launch protective attacks on epidermal intruders like bacteria and viruses, it suffers irreparable deep DNA damage with every single sun exposure moment – no matter what time of year.

Over time, the damage slowly makes itself visible with changes such as brown spots (which some people mistakenly call "age spots"), growths, dilated blood vessels, and overall redness to name a few.

In the worst case scenario, the accumulated assaults to the skin result in skin cancer. So each and every sunburn, suntan, and casual brief sun exposure your skin endures, adds up and cannot be turned back.

For example, severely sun damaged skin appears exactly the same as skin that has undergone multiple radiation treatments. Furthermore, medical studies show that the majority of skin cancers on the head, neck and arm appear on the left side of the body, correspond to the driver's side of the car and cumulative sun damage received through the car window (even if closed).

Skin cancer comes in multiple sizes, colors and shapes. It can be so difficult to determine on your own what is dangerous and what is not. Your best approach: ANY skin spot, raised or flat that is new, changing or standing out among other marks on your skin, should be evaluated by a doctor.

It is important to know that it is never too late. You may be thinking "well, I've already damaged my skin with 40 or 50 years of sun worshipping and not protecting myself properly." But you need to keep in mind that if you stop now, you will be helping with future/additional damage. Just like a car's odometer – less mileage, means longer usage!

Wear hats, use umbrellas and parasols, and wear sunscreen every single day of your life. Just like a low mileage car, your skin will have less wear and tear and "perform" younger than its age might suggest!

Blogging off,
Dr. Zalka