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The Lasting Effect of
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Although the sun is necessary for life, sun damage to skin is caused by the invisible and intense ultraviolet radiation of sun exposure. Some of those harmful effects are visible right away like suntan and sunburn but others appear and worsen overtime such as liver spots and wrinkles. With repeated intense sun exposure the skin damage can even progress into cancer.
What Are the Sun Damage to Skin?
The most common types of skin damage are:
- sunburn and suntan
- skin aging and photoaging
- liver spots
- actinic keratosis
- dry skin
- wrinkles
Sunburn and Suntan
The first sign of sun-induced skin damage to the skin is the darkening and reddening of the skin. The suntan is the result of injury to the epidermis - the top layer of the skin. A tan develops when UV radiation accelerates the production of melanin - dark pigment.
Eventually UV radiation causes the skin to burn and accompanied with pain, redness and swelling or blisters.
To understand more about sunburn and sunburn blisters.
What are the options for sunburn treatments?
Skin Aging
Over time skin ages and loses its youthful appearance. Fine lines, wrinkles and liver spots appear. While some of these visible signs are natural and inevitable but many are caused by the sun and can be avoided.Research shows that there are two types of aging:
- intrinsic (internal) aging - caused by genes that we inherit
- extrinsic (external) aging - caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure
Intrinsic aging or natural aging is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Skin collagen production slows down and elastin the substance that enables the skin to snap back to place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. The signs of intrinsic aging are usually not visible for many years.
Typically the signs of intrinsic aging are:
- fine wrinkles
- thin and transparent skin
- dry skin that may itch
- loss of underlying fat
- graying hair and hair loss
- inability to sweat sufficiently
Extrinsic aging is mostly caused by external factors often acting together to prematurely age your skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun damage to skin..
Exposure to UV radiation can accelerate skin aging and make you appear older than you are. Skin changes caused by the sun are called photoaging.
Anti-aging health and beauty solutions by Beauty Therapist provides a guide to holistic anti-aging treatments along with advice on nutrition, health, beauty, and skin care.
Liver Spots
Solar lentigines (lentigo) or age spot as they are often called have nothing to do with liver. They are flat, grey, brown or black spots caused by years of sun exposure. They vary in size and usually appear on sun-exposed areas such as face, hands, arms and shoulders. Often they are accompanied by other signs of sun damage to skin including:- thinning of skin
- dry rough skin
- fine red veins on cheek, nose and ears
- wrinkles
Actinic Keratosis
Also known as solar keratosis is a small rough spot occurring on the skin that has been persistently exposed to the sun. They can be whitish, pink or flesh coloured, brown or dark brown patches. They are most commonly found on the face, ears, lower arms and hands. They are by far the most common precancer.
For more information on cause, prevention and treatment of actinic keratosis.
Dry Skin
Sun-exposed skin can gradually lose moisture and essential oils making it appear dry, flaky and prematurely wrinkled. Dry skin is also one of the most common cause of itching. Many older people suffer from dry skin, particularly on their lower legs, elbows and fore arms.
Besides sun exposure most of dry skin are caused by environmental exposures such as:
- low humidity during winter
- central heating and air conditioning
- hot showers or baths
- harsh soaps and detergents
Wrinkles
In due course, the sun's ultraviolet radiation damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. Wrinkles is formed when the breakdown of elastin causes the skin to lose its ability to snap back after stretching. Besides gravity other factors responsible for wrinkles formation are cigarette smoke, air pollution and rapid weight loss.
Take a QUIZ! Can sun damage people with darker skin? YES or NO?The answer is YES! Eventhough people with darker skin can tan and tolerate longer periods of sun exposure without burning, the sun can still cause skin damage.
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