Skin problems like wrinkles are common signs of aging. However, they can show prematurely, not because of age, but because of sun exposure. Yes, the sun can damage the skin, making you look older than your actual age. Listed below are the various kinds of ultraviolet or UV light we need to be aware of.
- UVC. This type of UV light does not significantly risk our health because it’s absorbed by the atmosphere and the ozone layer.
- UVA. This UV light harms the skin from the outer to the inner layer.
- UVB. This UV light affects only the skin’s surface, but it’s more damaging than the UVA.
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun on your skin. Wearing high-SPF sunscreen and staying in shaded areas as much as possible can help prevent these damages. Although some of these skin concerns cannot be eliminated, some treatments can minimize their appearance, like the photorejuvenation treatment. It uses Intense Pulsed Light or IPL to decrease the appearance of elastosis, capillaries, and sun spots. It’s a safe and effective treatment without discomfort. Knowing more about the signs of skin damage caused by the sun will help increase awareness, so you’ll know if you need further protection and treatment.
Sunburns
Sunburns are the most obvious signs of skin damage caused by the sun. It’s characterized by the redness of the skin that can be painful when touched. It typically goes away after a few days if it’s a mild condition. However, blisters may develop accompanied by fever or severe pain if it’s bad. If the condition doesn’t improve within 48 hours, you should go to a doctor for medical assistance.
Wrinkles
The sun’s radiation could damage the cells that produce elastin and collagen, the proteins that make the skin elastic and give it a plump, smooth, and youthful appearance. Wrinkles form if the body produces lesser collagen and elastin due to sun exposure. You can tell if it’s due to the sun by checking on the body parts that are not usually exposed to it. For example, your face may have wrinkles but not the unexposed parts.
Sunspots
These brown spots may appear on the skin most exposed to the sun, like the face, arms, and shoulders. Besides professional treatments, there are also home remedies you can try to lighten them, like applying aloe vera or green tea bags on the affected area.
Actinic keratosis
These are dry and scaly patches on the skin that could be itchy. The color could be pink, red, or brown. Although they are not usually serious, there’s also the risk they may develop into skin cancer, so always check if it gets severe, and get medical help if it happens. Your doctor may prescribe a gel or cream to treat this skin problem.
You can prevent skin damage by taking extra care of your skin and, most importantly, protecting it from the sun. If you develop any skin problems due to sun exposure, your dermatologist will help determine the best treatment.
