{"id":8659,"date":"2025-07-03T09:52:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T09:52:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/en-US\/blog\/?p=8659"},"modified":"2026-02-24T08:40:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:40:58","slug":"what-is-actinic-keratosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/us\/blog\/skincare\/what-is-actinic-keratosis\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Actinic Keratosis & How to Help Protect Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading:<\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Golfing. Gardening. Strolling along the beach. Many of our favorite moments take place under the sun. But while memories may fade, your skin doesn\u2019t forget\u2014and every moment of unprotected sun exposure adds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, this exposure can cause what dermatologists call actinically-damaged skin<\/strong>\u2014visible signs of UV-induced damage that may lead to precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses (AKs)<\/strong>. And with over 58 million cases<\/a> in the U.S., it\u2019s one of the most common skin conditions in adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what does actinic keratosis look like? And how can you help protect your skin? With guidance from expert dermatologists, we\u2019ll explore the causes, appearance, prevention, and treatment of AKs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dr.<\/figure>
\n

Dr. Susana Puig<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

World-renowned dermatologist in the field of diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and skin cancer. Professor at the University of Barcelona.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Dr.<\/figure>
\n

Dr. Caroline Robinson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chicago-based, board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with subspecialty expertise in alopecia, preventative skincare, and ethnic skin dermatology.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is actinic keratosis or actinic damage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Actinic keratosis<\/strong>\u2014also known as solar keratosis<\/strong>\u2014is a small, rough, often scaly patch on the skin caused by cumulative sun exposure over time. While AKs are not skin cancer themselves, they are considered precancerous lesions<\/strong> that have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)<\/strong><\/a>, a common type of skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although most of the time they\u2019re nothing to worry about, it\u2019s estimated that around 10% of actinic keratoses<\/a> can progress to skin cancer\u2014making early detection and regular visits with your dermatologist essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

At least 90% of actinic keratoses are benign\u2014meaning they will not turn into cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What causes actinic keratosis?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Short answer: the sun.<\/strong> The main culprit is ultraviolet (UV) radiation\u2014from spending time outdoors or artificial sources like tanning beds. Repeated and unprotected exposure to UV light damages skin cells over time, creating changes in their DNA. This cumulative harm leads to the formation of actinically damaged skin<\/strong>, which may appear as AKs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common risk factors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n