There are many reasons your skin might start to look old before its time--your genes, your environment and even your diet play a role in how your skin ages. But the No. 1 cause of premature skin aging is sun damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you notice premature signs of aging, it's wise to have a dermatologist give your skin an annual examination to rule out skin cancer, which is also caused by sun damage.
Identification
It's the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight that has the biggest effect on your skin, explains the Merck Manuals online medical library. Your skin needs to absorb a small amount of ultraviolet radiation in order to produce vitamin D, and it can protect itself when confronted with some ultraviolet radiation by increasing production of melanin and thickening its topmost layer. Sun damage occurs when too much ultraviolet radiation makes your skin's self-protective measures ineffective.
Significance
Significant ultraviolet light exposure damages your skin's DNA, making it harder for skin to repair itself, which leads to decreased fat beneath the top layer of your skin and reduced skin elasticity. Sun damage also affects your skin's ability to produce chemicals like melanin that protect it from further damage, and dims your skin's sensory receptors, which allows it to be more easily bruised and otherwise damaged.
Types
Signs of sun damage show up in several different ways. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet light can show up as wrinkles and fine lines, spots and patches of discoloration, redness, uneven skin texture and very thin, dry skin--all symptoms people associate with aging skin. Though this skin damage occurs even in young people, its cumulative effects generally don't show up for several years, which is why sun damage is associated with aging, explains the American Academy of Dermatology.
Prevention/Solution
The most effective way to prevent premature aging caused by skin damage is to protect your skin when you're in the sun, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, protect your skin by wearing hats and clothing outside and avoid being outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when your skin will be exposed to the most ultraviolet radiation.
Expert Insight
Your skin isn't the only part of your body that can age before its time because of sun exposure--too much sun can make your hair turn gray, too, says Jeannette Graf, a New York City dermatologist, on "Allure" magazine's Daily Beauty Reporter Blog. Hair that's exposed to sunlight's ultraviolet radiation loses its color earlier than hair that's protected from the sun, according to Graf. "Allure" recommends protecting your hair with Goldwell's new Dual Senses Sun Reflects or Redken's Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 when you're planning to spend time outdoors.
