A member asked:

Are sunburns, skin cancer and premature skin wrinkling preventable?

19 doctors weighed in across 9 answers
Dr. Mike Bowman answered

Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

Absolutely!: Careful attention to sun protection through regular use of sunblock (must be applied early and reapplied often) and appropriate clothing (wide brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts, pants, etc) will dramatically reduce all of the above. Also, just try to be out of the sun in the dead of summer as much as possible. The lighter your skin tone, the easier it is to damage your skin.

Answered 12/29/2016

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Yes: Start taking care of your skin at a young age and reap the rewards later in life! simple precautions like using SPF clothing, hats, sunglasses, and lotions can make a big impact on the health of your skin. Also avoid toxins like smoking and poor dietary choices. Lastly... Tanning booths are just about the worst thing you can do to your skin.

Answered 10/4/2016

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Prevent skin cancer: Probably most skin cancers (not inherited melanoma tendency) can be markedly diminished if from the early age we avoided direct sun exposure and used sunscreen, and long sleeves and a hat.

Answered 1/30/2015

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Dr. Anifat Balogun answered

Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

Sunburn, skin cancer: Sunburns are implicated in skin cancer and aging. While tanning from sun exposure and tanning beds give you a "healthy glow", know that the "glow" is actually an indication of skin damage and inflammation. Prevent sunburns, reduce the risk of skin cancer and delay aging by limiting sun exposure, wearing minimum of SPF 30 daily and getting any suspicious skin lesions examined.

Answered 1/1/2023

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Yes, prevent!: Sunburns, cancer & wrinkling can be prevented with decreasing sun exposure &tanning, using sunblock on all exposed body parts, retin-a, taking adequate vitamin d and using good skin care products. This has to be done all your life, not after 30 or 40!. Most of the damage we sustain is early on manifesting years later. See the american cancer video my talk to my younger self.

Answered 3/10/2012

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Yes: Minimize sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, use spf 30 or stronger sunscreen daily, and be aware of developing burns. Additionally, avoid smoking to minimize facial wrinkling.

Answered 7/9/2012

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Dr. Travis Kidner answered

Specializes in Surgical Oncology

Yes: Yes with the use of sunscreen on a regular basis and avoidance of prolonged exposure to uv radiation.

Answered 4/4/2013

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Dr. Joseph Mele answered

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Surely: Sun burns absolutely. Moderating sun exposure, sun worthy clothing and sunscreens are key. Reducing sunexposure and not smoking both reduce wrinkling and cancer. While some skin cancer and premature wrinkling are genetic, good habbits will not compound the predilection. Moisturizers and other topical skin care treatments can also help.

Answered 4/7/2013

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Yes: Avoid direct sunlight and use sun block.

Answered 1/26/2017

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Related Questions

A member asked:

How can a sunburn cause skin cancer?

12 doctors weighed in across 3 answers