If you've started to notice crow's feet and laugh lines, chances are they're souvenirs of time spent in the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90 percent of the visible signs you associate with aging are signs of sun damage. Although sunburns are a prime indicator of damage, routine exposure can be just as harmful over the long run.
Sunburn Causes
The sun's ultraviolet light is the culprit behind all sunburns. Because UV light has such a short wavelength, you can't see it--but you'll see and feel its effects within a few hours, notes MayoClinic.com. Everyone has a different UV exposure threshold, after which they'll start to burn. You don't burn everyday because, as the Merck Manual notes, most harmful rays are filtered out by clothes, windows or smog.
Anatomy of a Sunburn
Whenever it's exposed to UV light, your skin tries to protect itself by producing more melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin color. This is why you appear to "tan" in the sun--your skin is actually trying to defend itself against UV rays. According to MayoClinic.com, the amount of melanin your skin produces is limited by your personal genetics. If your skin absorbs more UV light than it can defend against with melanin, it will start to turn red, swell and/or blister.
The Link Between Sunburns and Wrinkles
According to MayoClinic.com, UV exposure is the "primary cause of early wrinkling." The more UV light you're exposed to, the faster your skin's fibers break down. Two fibers in particular, collagen and elastin, keep your skin's top layer plump and smooth. As you lose collagen and elastin, your skin falls flat, sagging and wrinkling. This process happens naturally with age, but repeated UV exposure can speed it up.
Wrinkle Treatment
Most over-the-counter wrinkle creams and serums attempt to make wrinkles less visible by plumping your skin with moisture. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion erode the outer layer of skin, which may help reduce the look of fine wrinkles. For deep-set wrinkles, cosmetic procedures may be necessary to reduce their appearance. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, cosmetic surgeons can inject toxins to paralyze wrinkle-causing facial muscles, inject animal collagen to plump up wrinkles, implant artificial polymers to add facial volume or graft fat from other body areas and implant it in the face to smooth sunken, wrinkled areas.
Prevention
The single best way to prevent future UV-based wrinkles is to limit your UV exposure. Wear sunscreen rated at least SPF 15 every time you'll be in the sun. Even better, cover your skin with long sleeves, pants, scarves and wide-brimmed hats to further limit exposure. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that UV light causes most melanomas--the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
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