Everyone wants to have that sun-kissed look for the summer, but most people are not cognizant of the effects of sun exposure on the skin. Overexposure can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Sun damage accumulates slowly over time, so the effects are usually not noticeable until later in life. Fortunately, the more you know about exposure to the sun, the easier it is to prevent skin damage.
Significance
The sun causes damage to the skin by exposure to invisible light rays known as ultraviolet, or UV, rays. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and play a role in premature aging and tanning of the skin. UVB rays cause damage primarily to the superficial layers of the skin and are associated with reddening of the skin and sunburns. Although both types can cause skin cancer, UVB rays play the major role in the development of skin cancers.
Uneven Skin Pigmentation
Chronic sun exposure can lead to the development of uneven skin pigmentation. One of the most common types is age spots. These are usually brown, black or gray in color, and can appear on any sun exposed areas. Melasma is a dark brown discoloration of the skin on the face that occurs from a combination of sun exposure and an increase in female hormones. It most commonly affects pregnant women and those taking oral contraceptives. Poikiloderma is a reddish-brown pigmentation found mostly on the neck and nose. It is caused by a combination of sun exposure and sun-sensitive chemicals in cosmetics. Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches of skin that are dark pink to brown in color. They can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
Solar Elastosis
Solar elastosis is characterized by wrinkling, creasing, sagging and loose skin. It is caused by damage to the connective tissue deep in the skin, resulting in loss of strength and flexibility.
Skin Cancer
There are two types of skin cancers: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious and deadliest form of skin cancer. It is believed to be caused by sunburns, rather than long-term sun exposure. The most common non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They are associated with long-term sun exposure and tanning, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when detected and treated early, they have a 95 percent cure rate.
Expert Insight
The Skin Cancer Foundation offers several tips to avoid sun damage. Use sunscreen every day with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15. Apply 1 oz. of sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside; reapply every two hours. Use clothing, hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to cover up. Seek shade, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Do not tan or use UV tanning beds. Finally, examine your skin from head to toe every month and see your dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam.
