Sun exposure poses a threat to us all because of our common contact with UV light. UV light is the most dangerous to our skin, despite that it is invisible to the eye. A limited intake of UV light is healthy as it creates vitamin D. However, higher levels can damage genetic material as well as transform the quantities and kind 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. Be sure to know about the potential risks of sun damage and how 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 effect the skin below its surface as they make free radicals and cause the break down of collagen that later lead to wrinkles and possible skin cancer. The destruction of collagen is also associated with a build up 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 continued process of faulty collagen restoration produces wrinkles. UV exposure also results in a higher number of 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 deeper dangers of sun damage create ugly effects that are hard to reverse.

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

That's correct. Science has proven that exposure to UV rays constitutes at least 80 percent of wrinkle development. This is the result of the sun's ability to damage collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein necessary for the binding of healthy skin to maintain its smoothness. As collagen in damaged, elastin, a fibrous tissue, builds up and releases an enzyme that further breaks down collagen. The outcome is a faulty collagen fiber development which over time produces wrinkles. 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. 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 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 important to do everyday, even if you have makeup that boasts sun protection. If your time exposed to the sun is extended, be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly. Also be aware if you are taking any medications that cause you to be more vulnerable to the sun. For those of you who are sensitive, it is a good idea to use sunscreen as well as other protectors, for example hats, glasses, and clothing that limit your skin's exposure to the sun. Protect yourself from harmful effects of the sun as well as address already visible signs of aging with natural skin care.