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Sun exposure poses a threat to us all because of our common contact with UV light. UV light is not visible to the human eye, yet it has the most effect on 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 vital to be knowledgeable about the destructive effects of sun exposure and how you can prevent them.

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

Studies have shown that UV reacts with your skin at its surface as well as below the surface. There are visible signs of damage on the skin's surface, however, more harm is being done that we can not see. The rays penetrate more deeply into the skin creating free radicals and the break down of collagen which lead to wrinkles and threats of skin cancer. A lack of healthy collagen proteins also relates to a mounting number of abnormal elastin tissues. 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. Sun exposure also produces free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that lack stability forcing them to search for extra electrons which can harm cell process and transform genetic material, leading to cancer. Sun exposure also damages pigment producing cells which leads to discoloration and uneven complexion. 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?

It's true. Science has proven that exposure to UV rays constitutes at least 80 percent of wrinkle development. This is explained by the sun's destructive effects on collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein necessary for healthy, tight, and 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. Free radicals also enter our body due to UV radiation which creates molecular imbalance. 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?

Age Spots are flat brown hyper pigmentations that develop on your skin after years of sun exposure. It is the sun that causes age spot, not your age. 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. The outer layer of skin has these cells that create darker pigment with exposure to sun in order to protect deeper layers beneath. Sun damaged melanocytes produce too much pigment and cause random dark spots that may grow over time.

How to Avoid Effects of Sun Damage

If possible, the most effective protection from the sun is to stay out of its rays when they are the strongest. If you continue to find yourself outside, be sure to use sunscreen. Do so everyday, even when wearing makeup with sun protection. If your time exposed to the sun is extended, be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly. It is also imperative that you are aware of any medications your are taking that make you more sensitive to the sun. In that case, it is necessary to wear sunscreen as well as other protective layers, such as hats, glasses, and clothing that limit 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.