Skin Cancer Just Isn't Worth the Risk
"There are two main health and beauty concerns related to sun exposure: sun damage and skin cancer," says Dr. Craig Kraffert, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Amarte Skin Care. "Millions of skin cancers are treated each year in the United States. Cure rates are high, but treatment often results in scarring."
It may not seem like a big deal to just forego SPF in the winter because it's annoying to apply or because you may not view it as an important step in your routine. However, skin cancer is highly prevalent and it's just not worth the risk. Damage is still a legitimate concern, but obviously not as dangerous as skin cancer.
"Sun damage accumulates with sun exposure over time, resulting in both aesthetic and functional decline. It leads to wrinkling, sagging skin along with a withered, ruddy look. Sun exposure also results in increased skin fragility, especially of the hands and forearms with resultant transparently thin skin that bruises and tears with ease," says Kraffert. "Sun freckling, blotchiness and the patchy pigmentation of melasma are also primarily driven by sun exposure."
Image via Imaxtree
