Hyper Pigmentation - Do you Know the Results of Sun Damage and How to Avoid them?

Sun damage is a very common threat to us all because of our frequent exposure to UV light. UV light is the most dangerous to our skin, despite that it is invisible to the eye. A small amount of exposure is healthy as is produces vitamin D. However, larger quantities damage the body's genetic material and alter the amounts and types of chemicals that skin cells make. These changes are responsible for common effects of sun damage such as burning, premature aging, 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. 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. Over time, this pattern of faulty rebuilding leads to wrinkles. Sun exposure also produces free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules looking for electrons, a process that can damage cells and change genetic material, leading to threats of cancer. UV exposure also is destructive to pigment producing cells and causes brown pigmentation and blotchy complexion. These reactions that occur under the skin's surface create unwanted 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 because the sun damages collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein necessary for healthy, tight, and smooth skin. Elastin, a fibrous tissue, is built up which further breaks down collagen. This creates a flawed collagen fiber formation which creates wrinkles over time. 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?

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! Age spots usually develop on your face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and back which are the parts of your body most often exposed to the sun. UV radiation damages melanocytes, your skin's cells that create melanin. These cells are found on the outermost layer of skin and are responsible for creating darker pigments in order to protect deeper layers from the damages of UV. 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 can, the most effective way to protect yourself from sun exposure is to avoid it during the hours when UV rays are the strongest. If you continue to find yourself outside, be sure 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. It is also important for you to know of any medications that you take that cause you to be more sensitive to sunlight. 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. Prevent harmful effects of the sun by protecting yourself as well as addressing already visible signs of damage with natural skin care. -Valerie DeVette