The Effects Of Sun On Your Skin
Engaging in outdoor activities offers numerous benefits such as staying physically active, reducing stress levels, and obtaining essential vitamin D. However, the sun’s ray can take a toll on your skin. In a short term scenario that would mean dealing with a simple sunburn. However, there are long-term implications for your skin-even if you don’t experience a sunburn. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. UV radiation can permanently damage the structure of your skin, and most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV light.
There are 3 types of UV rays:
UVA light penetrates deeply into the skin, affecting multiple layers including the epidermis and dermis. It damages crucial components like collagen, elastin fibers, epidermal cells, and capillaries, leading to diminished elasticity and other skin concerns.
UVB light primarily targets the outer layer of the skin, causing DNA damage in the epidermis. Its effects are potent, contributing to photoaging and the formation of precancerous cells like actinic keratoses.
UVC light is absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere, posing minimal health risks to humans.
The signs of sun damage:
Typically starts appearing during the teenage years or early twenties. These symptoms may include:
Pre-mature aging and wrinkling
Pigmentation changes, such as age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines), and freckles
Loss of skin tone, characterized by decreased elasticity
Rough, uneven skin texture
Broken capillaries (spider veins), often noticeable around the nose and chest area
Redness and blotchiness
How to prevent sun damage:
Sunscreen:
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that will filter out both UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen is essential in ALL seasons and weather
Reapply every 2 hours, especially when swimming or sweating
Your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher
Use a water resistant formula
Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
Shade:
Limiting your time in the sun is the best way to prevent pre-mature aging and signs of sun damage
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. These three materials reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds
Clothes:
For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck
Try to wear a T-shirt or a cover-up, clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection.
A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
How to treat sun damage:
After UV radiation alters the DNA of your skin cells, the damage is irreversible. However, this doesn't mean that you can't improve the appearance of your skin. There are treatments available to mitigate, and diminish the damage. You should speak to a professional to help determine which treatment would be most beneficial and right for you.
Retinoids and retinols are topical products that are most effective when addressing early signs of sun damage. They work by prompting skin cells to shed, allowing new cells to emerge. Additionally, they stimulate collagen production, promoting tighter skin. Retinoids are particularly beneficial for treating fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, reducing roughness, and minimizing pore size.
Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants:
Antioxidants play a crucial role in slowing down skin damage caused by free radicals, which are rogue chemicals responsible for visible signs of damage. By effectively combating free radicals, antioxidants help to slow skin aging, reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation, and minimize the breakdown of collagen, thus promoting healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
Dermabrasion:
Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing procedure that involves the use of a rapidly rotating device to gently abrade or ‘sand’ away the outer layers of the skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing:
Laser skin resurfacing involves the removal of the damaged top layer of skin using lasers, which in turn stimulates collagen production. This process results in smoother skin with a more even appearance. Laser skin resurfacing effectively addresses issues such as uneven skin pigmentation, age spots, sun-damaged skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Chemical Peel:
A chemical solution like trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid is carefully applied to the skin. This solution works by removing the outermost layer of the skin, prompting the emergence of new skin cells. In this treatment the top layer of skin may shed from the face to reveal newer, brighter skin underneath.