Take steps to protect your skin this summer

This week’s fabulous summer weather reminded me that it’s time for you to read my annual lecture on preventing sunburn.

Protecting your skin will not only prevent the discomfort of a burn, but also will guard against eye damage, dry wrinkled skin, liver spots, actinic keratoses and shield you from debilitating or life-threatening cancers.

Read the warning labels on your prescription drugs. Often medications can heighten sensitivity to sun exposure and cause dreadful side effects.

People with fair skin are more susceptible to ultraviolet exposure than those with darker skins, but everyone is at risk. The sun’s energy can penetrate any skin type and damage the DNA of the skin cells. Also remember that 90 percent of UV rays can pass through clouds. Heed that warning.

For the rest of the story, see the print edition of the Bonner County Daily Bee or subscribe to our e-edition.