Living in Central Oregon means enjoying over 300 days of sunshine each year—but with all that sun comes an increased risk of skin damage. Whether you’re hiking in Bend, floating the Deschutes River, or just spending time outdoors, sun exposure can have long-term effects on your skin’s health. In this article, we’ll break down the risks of sun damage, how to protect yourself, what to watch for, and how the team at Central Oregon Dermatology can be your partner in prevention and treatment.
☀️ The Dangers of Sun Exposure
Sunlight emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation—primarily UVA and UVB rays—that penetrates the skin and causes damage on a cellular level. While a little sun may give you that sought-after glow, excessive exposure without protection increases your risk of:
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Premature aging: Fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots.
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Sunburns: Acute UV damage that can cause blistering and long-term harm.
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Skin cancer: Including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the deadliest form, melanoma.
Repeated UV exposure over time significantly raises your risk for skin cancer—even if you’ve never had a severe sunburn.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Skin
Preventing sun damage doesn’t mean avoiding the outdoors altogether. With a few simple steps, you can reduce your risk and still enjoy all that Central Oregon has to offer:
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Wear sunscreen every day.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days or during the winter months. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. -
Cover up.
Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing, and sunglasses to shield sensitive areas. -
Seek shade.
Avoid the sun during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. -
Avoid tanning beds.
Artificial UV exposure is just as harmful as natural sunlight and significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. -
Stay hydrated and moisturize.
Sun exposure can dry out your skin. Drinking water and using a hydrating lotion can help maintain your skin’s protective barrier.
👀 What to Watch For
Early detection of skin cancer saves lives. Conduct regular self-exams and look for:
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New or changing moles
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Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal
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Asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, or growth in diameter
Follow the ABCDE rule for identifying potentially cancerous moles:
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Asymmetry
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Border irregularity
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Color variation
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Diameter over 6mm
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Evolving shape, size, or symptoms
If you notice anything suspicious, it’s time to get it checked out.
🩺 How Central Oregon Dermatology Can Help
At Central Oregon Dermatology, we’re passionate about keeping your skin healthy. Our expert providers offer:
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Annual full-body skin exams
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Mole mapping and monitoring
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Biopsies and advanced diagnostics
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Skin cancer treatments, including Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT)—a non-invasive alternative to surgery for certain skin cancers
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Cosmetic services to address sun-related skin aging
We serve the Central Oregon community with convenient locations in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and La Pine, making it easy to access expert skin care close to home.
🌞 Your Skin is Worth Protecting
Protecting your skin from sun damage is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Whether you’re looking for preventive care, have concerns about a spot, or need advanced treatment for skin cancer, the team at Central Oregon Dermatology is here for you.
Schedule your annual skin exam today and stay one step ahead of sun damage.
Visit centraloregondermatology.com to learn more or book an appointment.
