Sunlight is not good for your skin. The sun ages your skin prematurely, increases your risk of cancer and dilates blood vessels under the skin. The sun may make you look good for a short length of time; however, the damage becomes apparent in the future.
Sun
The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, also known as UVA rays and UVB rays. These rays are capable of doing the most damage to your skin between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UVA rays are associated with photoaging, which is aging caused by the sun. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sun exposure in the winter puts you at the same risk for skin problems as summer sun exposure. Harmful UV rays are also capable of reaching the earth's surface on cloudy days.
Photoaging
According to Go Sun Smart, 80 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if a 40-year-old woman regularly protects her skin from the sun, she will have the skin of a 30-year-old. Photoaging is caused by UVA rays damaging deep levels of collagen and elastin, so skin starts to wrinkle and sag. In addition to wrinkles, age spots become present and the "youthful" tan appearance begins appearing tough and leathery.
Cancer
Skin cancer is an uncontrollable growth of abnormal skin cells. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most skin cancers occur on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and hands. There are three types of skin cancers caused by the sun: basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma. According to Go Sun Smart, basal cell and squamous cell are the most common and have a 95 percent cure rate if detected and treated early. Basal cells may appear as a sore that won't heal and be flat with rounded edges. Squamous cells can be rough, scaly or crusty and appear as raised bumps that may itch or bleed. Melanoma is the least common and accounts for more than 80 percent of skin cancer deaths, according to Go Sun Smart. Melanoma is often identified by a mole that is new, misshaped, discolored, growing in size or not evenly shaped on both halves. Sunburns early in life greatly increase a person's risk of developing melanoma.
Misconceptions
It's a common misconception that if you tan, your skin is protected from sunburns. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a tan is nothing more than damaged skin that is produced by your skin trying to protect deeper layers of the epidermis from UV rays. According to Go Sun Smart, a tan only provides a sun protection factor, or SPF of 4, which is not nearly enough to protect yourself from sunburns, cancer or photoaging.
Prevention
Vitamin D is a vitamin received from the sun, but getting your vitamin D requirement through your diet is a less risky option, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Never leave the house without wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and always wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and hats. If you're with children, be sure their skin is also protected. Avoid intentionally tanning outdoors and indoors.
Member Comments