If you’ve read any of our past blogs, you’ve probably noticed how adamant the professionals at Dermatology Associates are about protecting your skin from sun exposure.  Hopefully readers will now heed their warnings- SunSmart, a UK based Skin Cancer research organization, has compiled findings which show that adults of the Baby Boomer generation are now five times more likely to develop Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) than previous generations.

The UK group attributes this trend to the rise in popularity of low-cost package vacations and the introduction of tanning beds in the 1970’s.  Baby Boomers, who as a group were in their 20’s and 30’s during this period, remember a culture where “burning before tanning” was the norm for everyone.  Even more astounding, the study also found that of the Baby Boomer cohort, men in their 60’s and 70’s were seven times more likely to develop Melanoma than men of the same age 30 years ago. 

The most important thing to remember about sun damage is that it is preventable.  Wearing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your complexion (no lower than SPF 15) and remembering to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while outdoors are imperative.  The information from this study isn’t just a call to Baby Boomers, this trend could very easily repeat itself with Generation X, Y, and Z’ers if proper preventative sun protection is ignored. 

If you have a fair complexion with light hair, light eyes, freckles, or have lots of moles you are naturally more susceptible to sun damage.  If you have a history of sunburn you are also at an increased risk for developing Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.  So, when it comes to sun exposure remember- lather with sunscreen and repeat!

To learn more about preventative skin care or to schedule a consultation with one of Dermatology Associate’s professionals, visit our website or call (404) 256-4457.