4. Age
Research shows that the majority of actinic keratosis cases occur in people older than 40-years of age. Men are also at higher risk of developing the condition than women. As we age, our body’s protein synthesis begins to slow down, producing signs of aging.
This aging process reduces cell-turnover in the body, which means that your skin cells stay around for longer than they usually would in a healthy young person. As a result, your skin may take longer to recover from sunburns, and its more susceptible to developing skin disorders, such as actinic keratosis.
As we age, it’s more important to take care of our skin, as it’s the largest organ in the body. Regular application of sunscreen is essential if you’re going to be spending time outdoors. We recommend you look for a sunblock with an SPF factor of 50 for your face and a minimum of 30 for the rest of your body.