Research has shown that most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays. Sun exposure can cause short- and long-term issues that can harm your health. In addition to the negative impacts on your health, the sun can also damage your skin and impact your overall aesthetic. Below you will find how the sun ages your skin and what you can do to protect it.
How the Sun Ages Your Skin
There are two types of ultraviolet (“UV”) light, UVA and UVB. Both cause changes in your DNA that can impact your skin. UVB light impacts the outer layer of your skin, which damages the DNA in your epidermis (the outer layer of your skin). This damage can cause precancerous cells to form, in addition to photoaging (also referred to as “sun damage”). UVA light damages your skin at all levels, from the epidermis to the dermis (the inner layer of skin under the epidermis).
This can negatively impact the collagen and elastin in your skin, the epidermis cells, and capillaries (tiny blood vessels found in the dermis layer of your skin). Without taking precautionary measures such as minimizing your sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and covering your skin outdoors, UV light can severely damage your skin.
Signs of Sun Damage on Your Skin
The natural aging process is often referred to as chronological aging. This type of aging is determined by your age and genetics. However, the natural aging process can be accelerated by certain factors. One of the most common is sun damage caused by ultraviolet light. You can see the effects as soon as your teens and early twenties so it’s important to prevent sun damage from an early age. Below are some of the common signs of sun damage.
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Pigmentation, such as age spots, freckles, and liver spots
- Skin sagging and loss of tone
- Uneven texture
- Spider veins around your nose and on your chest
- Redness
Risk Factors and Prevention
Sun damage can impact everyone, but there are certain factors that may place you at a higher risk. The amount of unprotected sun exposure you have had over your lifespan, your geographic location, measures you have taken to protect your skin, and your skin tone. Lighter skin is more susceptible to sun damage, but all skin tones can be negatively impacted. Focusing on prevention is an effective strategy due to the daily impact sun exposure can have on your skin.
One of the best ways to combat sun damage is to take as many preventative measures as possible. Cosmetic anti-aging treatments in Tampa are highly effective in slowing down the signs of aging caused by sun damage. Chemical peels, dermal fillers, and neuromodulators effectively address the early signs of aging. Chemical peels are effective in rejuvenating your skin’s tone and texture. Dermal fillers and neuromodulators effectively address fine lines, wrinkles, and lost volume.
Protecting Your Skin Lifelong
In addition to regular anti-aging treatments, there are steps you can take on a daily basis to help protect your skin. It’s important to apply SPF on a daily basis even if you are not going outside. It’s best to avoid the sun during peak hours during the middle of the day. This can vary depending on where you live, but it’s best to avoid being outdoors during the hours from 11am to 3pm. If you do have to go outdoors, it’s best to cover your skin and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sun glasses with UV protection. For more helpful sun damage prevention measures and effective anti-aging treatments, contact the top dermatologist in Tampa. Dr. Lombardi has been helping patients achieve their desired aesthetic for years.