How the Sun Ages Your Skin : Know Some Facts

In the past few years, more and more specialists have warned the general population about the harmful effects of UV rays. The truth is that the sun has become quite powerful, with the ozone layer becoming thinner and thinner.

Exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, our skin loses its elasticity, with premature wrinkles and fine lines appearing shortly. At the same time, the exposure to the sun is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Keep on reading, to discover more information on how the sun ages the skin.

#1 Exposure to UVB leads to premature aging (photoaging)

It is a known fact that prolonged or chronic exposure to the sun is responsible for the premature aging of the skin. This is because UVB rays act directly on the structural matrix of the skin, affecting both collagen and elastin fibers. In time, the skin becomes saggy, losing its elasticity and firmness. This process is known as photoaging, and it is more common in populations who live in sunny areas. It is important to understand and remember that the severity of the skin aging is in direct proportion to the level of exposure.

#2 Too much time in the sun dehydrates the skin

The more time one spends in the sun, the more the skin is going to suffer. And this is not only about the structural matrix. Due to the ozone layer being thinner and thinner, the sun is more powerful nowadays. This means that too much time in the sun can dehydrate the skin, making facial wrinkles and other signs of premature aging become more obvious. The next time you plan on spending an entire day at the beach, thinks about such aspects. No matter how much time you spend in the sun, remember that your skin needs proper moisturizing after such activities.

#3 Sun exposure not only ages the skin but also increases the risk of skin cancer

Spending time in the sun means exposure not only to UVB but also to UVA rays. This means that the sun does not only age the skin but also increases the risk of skin cancer. All over the world, there are millions of people who are diagnosed with skin cancer, one of the deadliest forms of melanoma. The easiest way to protect yourself against such risks is to use sunscreen protection, whenever you are going out (including when it is cold or cloudy outside). It is also recommended to avoid going out in the middle of the day, as this is when the sun is at its peak power.

#4 Proper skin care can reduce the consequences of sun exposure

If you have spent a lot of time in the sun, it is highly likely you will exhibit signs of premature aging. However, before you despair, you should know that there are certain steps you can take, in order to reduce the consequences of sun exposure. First and foremost, you have to follow the classic skincare routine: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

Second, you have to become accustomed to using anti-aging serums. Such products promise to have a positive effect on your skin, but it is important to perform a thorough research before using it. In this way, you will know the entire range of benefits, as well as the potential side-effects.

[Read: Why Serums are the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread & Kypris Beauty Antioxidant Dew Review]

#5 Sunburns are the worst, accelerating the premature aging of the skin

We have all experienced sunburns, at least once in our lives. Our skin is red and inflamed, with blisters forming in more severe cases. We experience a sensation of tightness and discomfort, seeking out various natural remedies to soothe the irritated skin. What you need to know and remember is that sunburns are the worst, as they can accelerate the premature aging of the skin. Moreover, they cause the skin to become vulnerable to further damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer as well. The good news is that sunburns can be easily prevented by wearing adequate sunscreen protection and spending only moderate time in the sun.

These are some of the facts you need to know when it comes to the action of the sun on our skins. It is important to remember that prolonged or chronic exposure is directly responsible for the premature aging of the skin, with fine lines and wrinkles causing an aged look. You need to wear sunscreen lotion at all times, to ensure adequate protection for the skin and avoid peak hours, as this is when the sun is most powerful.

Also watch

Photoaging: Prevention and Treatments You Need to Know

Author Bio

Meighan Sembrano has done her Mass Communication degree. In her free time, she likes to write about Health, Lifestyle Fitness, Glozine world news and Beauty. She is an author at Consumer Health Digest since 2012. To know more about her, follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest.