Our frequent exposure to UV light puts us at great risk of sun damage. UV rays are invisible to the eye, but the most harmful to our skin. A small amount of vitamin D from UV exposure is healthy. However, larger amounts of UV can harm the body's genetic material and change the quantities and types of chemicals that skin cells make. These alterations are what cause frequent effects of sun damage such as premature aging, burning, wrinkling, age spots, and skin cancer. It is important to be informed on what damaging effects the sun can have and what you can do to avoid them.

Did you Know About the Deeper Effects the Sun Can Have on your Skin?

Analysis has shown that UV rays do not only damage the skin's surface but go deeper to cause more lasting effects. Surface damage can be obvious in the form of sunburn and freckles, but more harm is being done than we can see. UV rays penetrate the skin and produce free radicals and that lead to collagen break down, wrinkles, and possible cancer. This break down of collagen is also accompanied by an accumulation of abnormal elastin. Under the effects of the sun, the enzymes that create collagen do so in a faulty manner, producing disorganized collagen tissue. This cycle of defective restoration of collagen tissues leads to wrinkles. UV exposure also results in a higher number of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that are forced to scavenge electrons which can damage cell process and alter genetic material possibly leading to cancer. Exposure to the sun also is harmful to pigment producing cells that can lead to effects such as age spots and discoloration. These underlying reactions caused by sun exposure create nasty effects that are difficult to reverse.

Did you Know the Sun is the Leading Cause of Wrinkles?

That's right. Studies have shown that at least 80 percent of wrinkle development was caused by prolonged sun exposure. This is because the sun damages collagen fibers. Collagen is a type of protein that promotes healthy, smooth skin. As collagen in damaged, elastin, a fibrous tissue, builds up and releases an enzyme that further breaks down collagen. This results in an imperfect collagen fiber formation which over time creates wrinkles. Wrinkles also form with high levels of free radicals. UV light also causes free radicals to enter the body which develops an imbalance in the molecular composition. This imbalance threatens cell damage that can range from collagen break down, heightened enzyme production, development of wrinkles, to skin cancer.

Did you Know Age Spots Could be More Accurately Called Sun Spots?

After years of sun exposure you can develop flat drown hyper pigmentations called age spots. Despite its name, age does not cause an age spot, the sun does! The parts of your skin with that get the most exposure to the sun are those that are most likely to develop age spots. Exposure to UV destructs your body's cells that create melanin, called melanocytes. These cells are located on the outer layer of skin where sunlight causes them to create darker pigment to protect the deeper layers. Damaged melanocytes produce more pigment than necessary and create dark spots that may get larger over time.

How to Avoid Effects of Sun Damage

If you are able to do so, it is most effective to stay out of the sun completely or at least during the hours of the day when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you can't keep yourself out of the sun, it is vital to use sunscreen. This is necessary to do daily, even under makeup that says it contains sun protection. If you plan to be outdoors for a long time, make sure to reapply sunblock frequently. It is also imperative that you are aware of any medications your are taking that make you more sensitive to the sun. For those at higher risk, it is recommended to apply sunscreen as well as use other protective layers such as hats, glasses, and clothing that limits your skin's exposure to the sun. Take care of yourself by protecting your skin from future harms due to sun damage as well as addressing already visible signs of aging with natural skin care.