Effects Of The Sun On Skin Cancer & Wrinkles

The sun has positive and negative effects on your body. Vitamin D is a nutrient that is necessary for bone maintenance. It cannot be made by your body, but can be acquired from limited exposure to sunlight. On the other hand, excessive sun exposure is harmful to your skin because it can result in liver spots, wrinkles, sun burn and skin cancer. These effects are due to harmful rays from the sun.

Wrinkles

Radiation energy emitted from the sun reaches the earth in the form of ultraviolet A or UVA, and ultraviolet B or UVB, rays. UVA rays are responsible for penetrating the skin and causing damage to the elastin and collagen content. Collagen and elastin are protein fibers found within skin cells that are responsible for keeping your skin smooth, firm and wrinkle free. Damage to these two skin substances can lead to wrinkle development and early aging. The sun also stimulates your body to produce free radicals (molecules that can damage tissues). Free radicals have the ability to damage your skin cells, resulting in wrinkles and thinning skin. Apply sunscreen and protective clothing like hats and sunglasses to prevent sun-induced wrinkles.

Sun Burn

Ultraviolet B rays or UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn. They penetrate deep into your skin and destroy the living cells in your skin, resulting in sunburn. Increased blood flow to the area of the sunburn makes it look red. Signs of severe sunburn include tender skin, pain, swelling and blisters. Immediate medical care is needed if fever, chills, confusion and an upset stomach occur due to sunburn. The book, "Vitamin D, Volume 1" states that excessive exposure to sunlight and sunburns during childhood or as a young adult increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

Both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one American dies every day from skin cancer and one in five Americans will develop this condition in their lifetime. The American Academy of Dermatology, states that more than 90 percent of all skin cancers occurs in parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. Your hands, face, neck and ears are places where sun-induced skin cancer can develop. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of skin cancers that have high cure rates if detected early and treated appropriately. Melanoma is another type of skin cancer that is can be fatal and is not so common. These skin cancers often begin as discolored patches of skin, sores or moles. Contact a dermatologist if you notice changes in a mole or in discolored patches of skin.