Being in the warm sun can feel good and may make you look better in the short run. However, spending too much time in the sun without protection can cause health problems and eventually make you look older and less healthy. Scientific information has shown a number of effects of sun damage that can hurt your health and may even cause premature death, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD.
Precancerous Changes
Sun damage can cause pre-malignant skin growths called actinic keratoses. These raised, reddish, rough-textured growths have not developed into skin cancers yet, but they can increase your risk for a certain type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. The face, hands, forearms and "V" of the neck are most susceptible, the EPA reports. If actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinomas down the road, they can spread to other parts of the body if untreated, according to the AAD.
Skin Cancer
Sun damage is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, according to the EPA. The AAD states that severe sunburns may be related to the development of melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are less dangerous, but the EPA notes they can cause disfigurement and more serious health problems if left untreated. The AAD recommends seeing a dermatologist if you notice an unusual mole, scaly patch or sore that doesn't heal, since this may be a skin precancer or cancer.
Wrinkles
Over time, sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin, giving it a wrinkled, leathery appearance. This is because sun damage breaks down collagen fibers that keep the skin smooth and elastic, resulting in wrinkles, according to Sandra Read, M.D., a dermatologist in Washington D.C. and spokesperson for the AAD. Up to 90 percent of visible skin changes are due to sun damage, the EPA notes. Using sunscreen and other sun protection measures will help prevent wrinkles and premature aging of the skin, Dr. Read says.
Age Spots
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are due to sun damage. The Mayo Clinic says these sun-related spots are common in people over age 40 and usually appear on areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. They vary in size and can appear as flat, gray, brown or black spots. According to the Mayo Clinic, age spots are harmless and don't need treatment, but they can be lightened with skin-bleaching products or removed for cosmetic reasons.
Cataracts
The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that exposure to bright sunlight increases the risk of developing cataracts and other eye problems that may interfere with vision. Cataracts are a form of eye damage in which a loss of transparency clouds the vision, according to the EPA. Wearing proper sunglasses can protect the eyes from sun damage that may lead to cataracts. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends selecting sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and wearing a broad-brimmed hat in addition to sunglasses to protect the eyes from sun damage.
Immune Suppression
The EPA says overexposure to the sun's radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body's immune system. The skin normally mounts a defense against foreign invaders, such as infections and cancers, according to the EPA, but overexposure to the sun can weaken the skin's ability to mount a defense. To help prevent sun damage, the AAD recommends avoiding the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or greater.
References
- Sandra Read, M.D., dermatologist, Washington D.C.
- American Academy of Dermotology: Sun Protection
- Environmental Protection Agency: Health Effects of Sun Overexposure
- MayoClinic.com: Age Spots
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Keep on Eye on UV Safety
