What is it?

Often referred to as pre-cancers, actinic keratoses (AKs) are a skin condition brought on by excessive sun exposure which causes the skin to develop dry, rough and scaly lesions or growths. Often found on the face or scalp, these lesions may be skin-toned or reddish brown and can range anywhere in size from a freckle to a quarter. In rare cases, the damage to the skin may cause the lesions to grow large enough to resemble a miniscule animal horn, and these growths are known as cutaneous horns. Also, actinic keratoses may also appear on the lips and are called actinic chelitis, or inflammation of the lips.

How do you get it?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, AKs are the direct result of prolonged, excessive exposure to UV light and indicate dysplasic, or changing, cell growth. Often found on areas of the body that are continually exposed to the sun such as face and scalp, actinic keratoses can also be found on the arms, neck, ears and backs of hands. People with fair skin, weak immune systems or a long history of sun damage are at the highest risk for developing AKs. Although they typically appear after the age of 40, anyone, at any age, can be at risk if they don't take precautions when outside or exposed to UV light. Additionally, anyone living in climates with intense UV light exposure, such as Australia, Texas, Florida and Southern California are also at a very high risk.

Actinic keratoses are considered the earliest stage of skin cancer and have the potential to turn into squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma if left untreated. For this reason, any suspected case of AKs, or abnormal skin change or growth must be monitored closely by a dermatologist or doctor for the best, safest and most healthy result.

What does it all mean?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "one in six people will develop AKs in the course of a lifetime" and actinic keratoses is the number one reason people in the United States visit a dermatologist. Even more alarming, the allure of golden, tanned skin is on the rise, leading people to spend more time outdoors, without wearing adequate sun protection. Additionally, the use of tanning beds is on the rise, most notably among teenagers, who view the dangers of UV damage as a future concern rather than a present reality. Covering up the skin when outside and applying sunscreen is sadly not always part of the beachgoers ritual, leaving the skin vulnerable to UV damage and increasing the risk of developing AKs in the future. The long-term danger of just one severe sunburn is now thought to be far more lasting than 10 years ago, making prevention absolutely critical for teenagers and children.

What to do?

Like a well-played football game, when facing actinic keratoses, the best defense is a good offense. When outside, always wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and cover up any exposed areas of skin with long sleeves, pants, hats and in the winter time, gloves. Sun protection must be worn year round and even on cloudy days as UV light can penetrate cloud cover, glass and even some clothing. For powerful sun protection in a formula that is delicate enough to use on even the most sensitive skin, apply SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30 daily, especially the tops of ears and backs of the hands.

When a beachy glow is a summer time must, instead of lounging poolside for hours on end, opt for the fake bake. Formulated to leave the skin bronzed and glowing, not orange, today's self tanners are a far cry from their earlier predecessors and produce remarkable realistic, safe suntans in as little as 4 hours. Jan Marini Bioglycolic Sunless Self Tanner, Pevonia Self-Tanning Emulsion or TanTowel Plus Half Body Self Tanning Towelettes are safe for all skin tones, even fair, and will produce radiant, safe suntans.

Finally, if baby oil and iodine were loyal beach partners during summers past, schedule regular examinations by a dermatologist to check for abnormal skin growths. An accurate, early diagnosis is the first step to successful treatment, so don't skip this important exam.