From Sunscreen to Skin Screenings: UV Protection as We Age

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it serves many important functions such as regulating body temperature, protecting against infections, and providing sensation. With all that your skin does for you, it's important to take care of it properly. A small amount of sun exposure is actually beneficial for our bodies. It helps us produce vitamin D, which we need for strong bones and a healthy immune system. However, too much of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can be a serious problem for our skin.

We all want to enjoy the sunshine, but it's important to remember that the effects of UV exposure can cause skin damage and premature aging if we don't take proper precautions. Overexposure to the sun causes damage referred to as photoaging or photodamage - damage to the skin and premature aging. Understanding the symptoms of sun damage, such as wrinkles, age spots, leathery skin, and even skin cancer, as well as incorporating regular skin screenings and UV protection into your daily routine, can help protect your skin from further damage. Even if you haven't been as diligent about sunscreen and skin screens in the past, it's never too late to start taking better care of your skin!

How Sun Exposure Causes Skin Damage & Premature Aging

We all love spending time outdoors soaking up the sun, but have you ever stopped to consider what all that sunshine is doing to your skin? damage and premature aging. The most visible and immediate result of overexposure to the sun is sunburn. But, on a cellular level, the sun is doing a lot more damage than just causing your skin to turn red.

Let's break it down by the different layers of your skin:

• Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of your skin. It's where you see the discoloration or redness that comes with a sunburn. The epidermis is responsible for protecting your skin from the outside world.
• Dermis: This is the middle layer of your skin. It's where you'll find spider veins, decreased elasticity, and weakened skin that bruises more easily. The dermis is responsible for keeping your skin firm and elastic.
• Subcutaneous tissue: This is the deepest layer of your skin. It's where you'll find fat cells and connective tissue. The subcutaneous tissue is responsible for providing insulation and cushioning to your body.

Ultraviolet light has a high energy level and short wavelength that can penetrate the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing damage to the DNA of the cells in the dermis. This damage to your cells increases your chances of developing skin cancer. It can also cause the skin to age prematurely because the ultraviolet rays harm the collagen and elastin fibers that make up the skin, which can lead to a loss of firmness and elasticity.

Symptoms of Sun Damage

While we all know that too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, we often overlook the many other negative effects that the sun's rays can have on our skin. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause damage that becomes evident through a variety of different symptoms.

Immediate Symptoms of Damage

The immediate damage caused by overexposure to the sun is usually the most visible. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it triggers a response in the body that increases blood flow to the affected area. This can cause redness, swelling, and pain which is collectively known as sunburn. 

• Sunburn: Sunburn is a classic sign of too much sun exposure. When you get a sunburn, it means that the UV radiation from the sun has damaged the outermost layer of your skin, causing it to turn red and become painful. The best remedy for sunburn is to avoid further exposure to the sun and use aloe vera or a cool compress to soothe the affected area.
• Dryness and rough texture: Sun damage can also cause the skin to become dry and rough, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun without adequate protection. To remedy this, you can use a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid.

Long-Term Damage

The damage that occurs over time due to UV exposure may be less noticeable, but no less dangerous. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause a breakdown in collagen, the protein that gives our skin its elasticity and firmness. Over time, repeated UV exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and other types of skin damage, such as:

• Wrinkles: One of the most visible signs of sun damage is wrinkles. Prolonged sun exposure that leads to a breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin causes wrinkles. Over time, the skin becomes thinner, loses elasticity, and is less able to retain moisture, all of which can result in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Redness or Uneven skin tone: Overexposure to the sun can cause your skin to develop discoloration or redness. This happens when UV rays cause damage to the melanin-producing cells in the skin, leading to an uneven skin tone, also known as hyperpigmentation. 
• Freckles and dark spots: Sun exposure can also cause freckles and dark spots to appear on the skin. This occurs when the skin produces an excess of melanin in response to UV radiation.
• Rough and leathery skin: If you've spent a lot of time in the sun, you may have noticed that your skin feels rough and leathery to the touch. This is also due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, as well as the depletion of natural oils.
• Spider veins: Overexposure to the sun can cause blood vessels in the skin to become more prominent, resulting in the appearance of spider veins.
• Weakened skin that bruises more easily: Another result of collagen depletion is that skin may become thinner and weakened and therefore, more susceptible to bruising.

Overexposure to the sun can cause a range of symptoms that impact the appearance and health of your skin. By taking steps to protect your skin from UV rays, you can help prevent these symptoms from occurring.
 
Remember, prevention is always the best treatment when it comes to sun damage, but if you have noticed some of these symptoms, anti-aging skincare can help repair your skin. Look for skincare products that contain antioxidants and ingredients like niacinamide and retinol, which can help protect and repair the skin from UV light damage. Be proactive and take care of your skin from now on to prevent future damage.

How to Protect Skin from Sun Damage

Sun damage is a serious concern that should never be taken lightly. To keep your skin healthy and looking its best, you need to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to shield your skin from the sun's damaging effects. Let's take a look at some of the best ways to protect your skin:

• Wear Sunscreen: Sunscreen is your first line of defense against sun damage. Make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it liberally to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up as much skin as possible with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that offer UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) protection.
• Plan Your Time Outside: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to avoid spending extended periods of time outside during these hours. If you must be outside, seek shade, and wear protective clothing and sunscreen
• Protect Your Eyes and Lips: UV rays can cause damage to your eyes as well. Wear UV-protective sunglasses, a hat, or a visor to shield your eyes from the sun's rays. Lips are often overlooked, but they have delicate skin that can easily get sunburnt. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply often.

It's important to remember that protecting your skin from sun damage isn't just a one-time thing. You need to make it a daily habit to protect yourself whenever you're outside. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful for years to come.

Importance of Getting Regular Skin Screenings

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Early detection is crucial in treating skin cancer, as it increases the chances of successful treatment. When detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is 99%. This percentage drops by about 25% if the disease isn't caught right away and reaches the lymph nodes

The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests that skin screening be done once a year. However, if you have a higher risk of skin cancer, your dermatologist may recommend more frequent screenings. You should also do regular self-skin screenings at home. Here are some tips for a proper self-skin screening:

• Use a mirror to check all areas of your body, including hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and genital area.
• Check for changes in existing moles or spots, such as changes in size, shape, color, or texture. It's important to keep an eye on your moles and check them regularly for changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
• If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Regular skin screenings are important for detecting skin cancer early, monitoring changes in moles and sun damage, and being aware of any genetic risk.

Sun exposure can cause skin damage and premature aging and it's important to take action to protect your skin. Wearing sunscreen daily, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours are all great ways to prevent damage. But don't forget to (safely) get some sunshine-your skin can can still get Vitamin D while in the shade!

Sources:

D'Orazio, John et al. "UV radiation and the skin." International journal of molecular sciences vol. 14,6 12222-48. 7 Jun. 2013, doi:10.3390/ijms140612222

Rittié, Laure, and Gary J Fisher. "Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin." Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine vol. 5,1 a015370. 5 Jan. 2015, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015370

Salminen, Antero et al. "Photoaging: UV radiation-induced inflammation and immunosuppression accelerate the aging process in the skin." Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] vol. 71,7-8 (2022): 817-831. doi:10.1007/s00011-022-01598-8