Sun damage may be the last thing on your mind, but you can take steps to protect yourself against future damage.

Stuart C. Kolner, board-certified dermatologist at McFarland Clinic, 3600 W. Lincoln Way, suggests students take simple precautions to protect their skin against sun damage.

“It’s important for people to look at their skin, and if they see a change to go to their doctor or dermatologist,” Kolner said.

Kolner said if there is a change of color of a mole, such as becoming darker or bleeding to see a doctor because it could be skin cancer.

Kolner said if it is caught early, it can be treated.

“It’s a good habit to be in, to check monthly,” Kolner said.

Kolner said skin cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in the 25 to 30 age group.

“More and more we’re finding melanoma in young people,” he said. “Sun damage culminates through your life – it builds up to where precancerous regions can develop,”

Kolner also pointed out protecting the skin from the sun helps prevent wrinkles.

“It’s never too late to start taking precautions,” Kolner said.

Kolner said many of the older patients he sees wish they could undo the sun damage.

Kolner suggests avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 on a daily basis, and using sunless tanner instead of tanning.

When you’re outside, be sure to wear a brimmed hat, sunglasses and long-sleeve shirts made of loose weave material that absorbs perspiration and keeps you cool.

Dr. Brian Hagg, optometrist at Vogue Vision, 223 Welch Ave., said it’s important for students to wear a pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes against cataracts and astigmatisms.

“The best ones are polarized because they lock down on glare,” Hagg said.

Hagg said to make sure the label on the sunglasses has a UV protection of 400. Sunglasses without UV protection just make things dark.

Judy Trumpy, dietitian at the Thielen Student Health Center, said having a balanced diet and drinking water will keep the skin healthy.

“Water keeps your skin hydrated and the water carries the nutrients all around where it needs to go,” Trumpy said.

Trumpy said that dark circles under the eyes can be prevented through maintaining a healthy body weight.

“There’s no miracle food – just eating a balanced diet will help you live longer and healthier,” Trumpy said.