As the weather gets warmer a common sight around MHSN are red faces and painful grimaces. It's important to understand the true damage you're doing to your skin by being in the sun.  

Causes: Exposure to too much ultra violet light. This same light is used in tanning beds, making sunburn possible in tanning salons also.

Risks: Overexposure to UV light damages the skin; this damage can lead to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Other risks include infection due to the fact that when you burn your skin blister

s, and once these blisters become introduced to open air bacterial infections may follow. The sun also causes severe eye damage, and premature aging of the skin.

 Preventative Measures: It is important to incorporate sun screen into your daily moisturizing regimen. Even in the winter, skin can still be susceptible to UV rays. Also when planning on being in the sun for prolonged periods of time (the beach) it is imperative that you reapply periodically and appreciate that sun burn is not simply an inconvenience.