Despite repeated warnings of the dangerous effects of prolonged UVA and UVB exposure from the sun's powerful rays, many still enjoy "getting some sun" from time to time. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five people in the United States will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and melanoma is the leading cancer in killing young women. Before the damage becomes dangerous, there are signs that the sun is damaging delicate skin.
Signs
Some of the most commons signs of skin damage include aging, wrinkles, liver spots, dry skin, sunburn/suntan and actinic keratosis. Sunburn or tan is often the first sign of damage. Tanning occurs when the top layer of skin (epidermis) is damaged and the body produces melanin, a dark pigmentation. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to burning with redness, discomfort and blisters (sunburn).
Aging
Aging is broken into two categories: intrinsic aging (caused by genetics) and extrinsic aging (caused by the environment). Intrinsic aging is a natural process in which collagen production slows and the skin begins to lose elasticity. Extrinsic aging can be avoided or minimized. The leading cause of premature aging is sun damage. It can result in liver spots (or "age spots") which are a side effect of years of sun exposure and often are joined by wrinkles, rough skin, fine veins on the cheeks and thinning skin.
Dryness and Wrinkles
The sun damages delicate facial skin in many ways, not the least of which is slowly robbing it of essential oils and moisture. This causes itching, dryness, flaky skin and premature wrinkles. UV radiation also damages the elastin in skin. Elastin is what keeps our skin "snapping" back into place after stretching.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a condition in which skin that has been continually exposed to the sun's damaging effects develops a small rough spot. The coloring is often pink, white, or flesh colored but can also present as brown patches. They are commonly located on the face and ears and are commonly known to be precancerous.
Treatment
Treatment options range from using over-the-counter (OTC) products, prescription medication and surgery to correct the damage. OTC products that contain alpha hydroxy acids can help smooth skin, while products containing vitamin C often have some effect on reversing the damage. Both work by removing the epidermis's dead surface. If this is ineffective, talk to your dermatologist. Medical intervention with prescription creams and gels (like Tretinoin or Tazarotene) have had success in reversing damage. Chemical peels, laser surgery and the use of skin fillers (like collagen or hyaluronic acid) are additional options.
Tags: aging caused, liver spots, reversing damage
