Sun Damage 101

As we all know sun damage is the biggest cause for external aging. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin in two different forms. UVA and UVB rays; the UVA rays are known as “aging rays” and the UVB rays are known as “burning rays.” UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and weaken collagen and elastin fibers, promote hyperpigmentation, capillary damage, free radical damage, and increases the chance of skin cancer. Our skin already does some of that as we age, but the sun significantly speeds up the process.

Avoiding the sun as best to your ability is the smartest thing to do to protect your skin. Obviously, you can’t just sit inside all day and be a vampire, but when you do go outside wearing protective clothing like hats, visors and cover-ups help block the rays. When going to the beach or voluntarily exposing the skin to the sun packing with you broad-spectrum sunblock will prevent some penetration of UVA and UVB rays as long as applied and reapplied properly. If you do not choose a broad-spectrum sunblock, be sure the SPF is high enough to protect your skin and reapplied often. Sunscreen that is SPF only, only blocks UVB rays, not the harmful UVA rays.

The face is the most at-risk area to burn, the shoulders come next, then hands, ears and neck. Many of us forget to apply sunscreen on our ears and hands, when the ears sunburn they are at risk for hyperpigmentation and when the hands are constantly exposed to the sun, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and even deep wrinkles may form. Don’t forget spots like these, you will thank yourself later in life when you have smooth, supple hands and radiant ears!

If you feel you are getting sunburnt, get out of the sun because the damage is starting. One good way to check if you are getting sunburnt is to press on the area you feel is getting burnt and remove your finger, if the spot is white and immediately turns red you’re burnt. The best thing to do at this point is to get out of the sun or put on protective clothing and apply aloe vera. Aloe vera will sooth the sting and calm the inflammation.

If you feel your skin is “changing” as in weird discoloration, moles, dark freckles or open lesions, check with your doctor as soon as possible to be sure nothing is cancerous. Protect any current moles and freckles you already have, the exposure to UVA and UVB rays can increase cancer in that area.

With the sun being a huge part in the aging process, I feel as if I will never see daylight again! The sun cannot completely be avoided, but when you go outside there is a smart way to do it. Using broad-spectrum sunblock and wearing protective clothing are two major ways to protect your skin from the sun. Regular facials and trips to the doctor will help you keep a good eye on your skin and allow them to note any changes they see that you may not. Sunblock should be an everyday thing to prevent over exposure!