For many Australians, the sun is a symbol of outdoor living, beach days, and the quintessential Aussie lifestyle. But with the sun comes the risk of skin damage, and for those who have spent decades under the harsh Australian sun without adequate protection, the question looms: is it too late to mitigate the damage?

One man's story, after 61 years of neglecting sunscreen, serves as a cautionary tale for all of us. Born in the era when a deep tan was a status symbol, he, like many others, sought that bronzed look without a thought for the consequences. It wasn't until the term SPF (Sun Protection Factor) became common knowledge that the dangers of sun exposure started to become apparent. But by then, for many, the damage was already done.

A 61-year-old man reflected on lifelong sunscreen neglect and its potential skin cancer risks. Credit: Shutterstock

The man's journey to understanding the extent of his skin damage led him to a dermatopharmacology unit and an encounter with a Visia skin-analysis machine. This high-tech device uses visible and ultraviolet light to reveal the hidden truths of the skin, including wrinkles, texture, and underlying damage not visible to the naked eye.

His results were sobering. Wrinkles far worse than average, a complexion marred by redness, and uneven sun damage across his face painted a picture of years of neglect. Yet, surprisingly, his skin's texture and brown spots were better than average, offering a small consolation amidst the concerning findings.

The stark reality is that skin cancer remains a significant threat, particularly for those with a history of sunburn. In Australia, skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed each year, with two in three Australians diagnosed by the age of 70. The man's story underscores the importance of vigilance for signs of melanoma and other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

But is all hope lost for those who have spent a lifetime skipping the sunscreen? Not necessarily. While sun damage is indeed cumulative, there are steps that can be taken to prevent further harm and even improve the skin's condition.

Firstly, it's never too late to start protecting your skin. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial, even on cloudy days or during the cooler months. The Cancer Council Australia recommends applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplying every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

Additionally, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak UV times, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can significantly reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.

For those noticing signs of skin damage or changes in moles, it's imperative to see a dermatologist. Regular skin checks can catch skin cancers early when they are most treatable.

And what about reversing existing damage? While we can't turn back time, there are treatments available that can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. These range from topical retinoids and antioxidants to laser therapy and chemical peels. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the best course of action for your skin type and the extent of damage.

The man's story ends on a note of cautious optimism. Despite the years of neglect, his skin was not beyond repair, and with a newfound commitment to sun protection, he could look forward to healthier skin in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

• A 61-year-old man reflects on his lifelong neglect of sunscreen and the potential skin damage he has caused, expressing concerns about skin cancer risks.
• The man undergoes a skin analysis using a Visia machine at Salford Royal hospital's dermatopharmacology unit, revealing above-average skin texture but excessive wrinkles and redness indicating significant sun damage.
• Key indicators of skin cancer, especially melanoma, are explained with an emphasis on the importance of monitoring for new or changing moles using the 'ABCDE' criteria.
• Expert advice suggests the need for regular sunscreen application, protective clothing, and caution even on cloudy days to prevent further sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

So, to our Senior Discount Club members, let this be a reminder: it's never too late to start taking care of your skin. Whether you're 61 or 81, the steps you take today can make a difference in your skin's health tomorrow. Share your own experiences with sun protection in the comments below, and let's encourage each other to stay sun-safe!

 

[gamiry]

As many of you know I'm almost 83 and have rarely used sunscreen, only when someone nagged me. I lived my life in the sun from childhood. I played lots of sports, taught lifesaving to nippers and nipperets, grew up with the Hawkesbury River and walked junk mail 7 days a week mostly 6am to 6pm for 10 years. The only thing I used was my hat and carried plenty of water. I finally got a tiny sun cancer on my lip but people still comment on my skin and how I don't look my age. No Wrinkles. I believe I have my Mother to thank as she had beautiful skin, didn't wear makeup and had no wrinkles. Sadly these days I don't see a lot of the sun because a wretched breathing problem with no cure or treatment so I don't get out in the sun as much as I'd like... it all depends on the air pollution from the sugar cane cutting and spraying of poisons. Oddly enough I've had 3 other different cancers starting at age 16 (bone), then cervical and finally in 2010 bowel. I wonder if the sun had anything to do with that

 

[Ronloby]

I had similar work and childhood experiences in QLD, and I am now 81. I had very severe shoulder sunburn when I was 12 but nothing came of it except some pain. Used sunscreen when I thought about putting it on. I had a mild melanoma cut from my chin a couple of years ago but nothing else. I wear a hat when outside now.

 

[deni67]

I remember years ago, before sunscreen, we had swimming lessons at the local pool here and if we wore a t-shirt we were told to get out of the pool and take it off, suffice to say I got a lot of sunburn on my back where my bathers didn't cover.

 

[Rickcb63]

Everyone is different !
im 61 , fair skin, don’t use sunscreen, live in the outback for many years,
went to a skin cancer clinic and had the check over, expecting the worst but instead a clean bill of health, told the doctor I never used sunscreen, he said good !
as a kid getting burnt at the beach boating, bad enough that I couldn’t walk for 3 days
welding burns where my face would peel and that was after my sight came back,
yes I used precaution there.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

As many of you know I'm almost 83 and have rarely used sunscreen, only when someone nagged me. I lived my life in the sun from childhood. I played lots of sports, taught lifesaving to nippers and nipperets, grew up with the Hawkesbury River and walked junk mail 7 days a week mostly 6am to 6pm for 10 years. The only thing I used was my hat and carried plenty of water. I finally got a tiny sun cancer on my lip but people still comment on my skin and how I don't look my age. No Wrinkles. I believe I have my Mother to thank as she had beautiful skin, didn't wear makeup and had no wrinkles. Sadly these days I don't see a lot of the sun because a wretched breathing problem with no cure or treatment so I don't get out in the sun as much as I'd like... it all depends on the air pollution from the sugar cane cutting and spraying of poisons. Oddly enough I've had 3 other different cancers starting at age 16 (bone), then cervical and finally in 2010 bowel. I wonder if the sun had anything to do with that

Unfortunately some people have the cancer gene as I double it comes solely from the sun. I'd say in your circumstance it's the genes you carry. Sorry you had to go through this.

 

[Colette 3799]

I use a moisturiser everyday on my face with sun protection in it. As for the rest of me I rarely use any unless I’m going to the beach for an extended time. I’m not a sun worshiper and I try and stay in the shade when I can. I try and walk my dog when it’s not in the heat of the day, for both our benifits. This morning my husband and myself played pickleball at 10 am and was done and dusted by midday when it started to get hot and sunny. Hopefully this is enough for my skin health

 

[MariaG]

I dont use sunscreen. I prefer to protect myself with appropriate clothing.
I'm not a water person and prefer to watch from a shaded area.
In fact I don't like going out in the sun and avoid it as much as possible. Must be the European heritage, as, my mum was the same.

 

[marymag]

I'm 66 and very rarely have I used sunscreen and have no skin issues and people comment on how I look younger than my years. As I've got older I keep out of the sun in the highest heat parts of the day and sit in shaded areas at those times or make sure I wear a hat. I do try try to get regular sun on my skin to get natural dose of Vit D, 20 minutes a day is recommended. Sunscreens have a lot of harmful chemicals in them so for my youngest son who is 25 and spends time in the sun I've got him sunscreen from our local health food store, it is expensive though so he wouldn't spend that much on a sunscreen as he is at Uni and cannot afford it. I highly recommend you download from the App Store the YUKA app. It's an app that helps you make healthier choices for food products and personal care products so you can limit the amount of chemicals and toxins you put into and onto your body. You scan the barcode on products. They rate products from 0 to 100, 0 being really bad and 100 excellent. If a product rates badly, you press on the picture and it then gives you a list of the harmful ingredient and they too are rated form really bad to moderate. You scoll down and as also then gives you a pictured list of better options that rated from good to excellent. It's a fantastic app!