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UV exposure is a very regular and serious threat. It is difficult to avoid the sun and therefore easy to be harmed by it. What can some time in the sunshine do to harm your skin? Analysis have shown many negative effects of being exposed to the sun. These effects include spider veins, blotchy complexion, wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. We will introduce the two most common effects and answer the questions of how UV rays affect your skin and what are the ways to prevent these negative results of sun damage. Be aware of the potential results of prolonged sun exposure and be sure to treat yourself now and protect yourself in the future.

How Does the Sun Damage Skin?

Analysis have shown that UV rays do not only damage the skin's surface but go deeper to cause more lasting effects. There are visible signs of damage on the skin's surface, however, more harm is being done that we can not see. The rays penetrate more deeply into the skin creating free radicals and the break down of collagen which lead to wrinkles and threats of skin cancer. The destruction of collagen is also associated with a build up of abnormal elastin. The sun's harmful rays create an enzyme that produces a incompetent type of collagen tissue. This cycle of defective restoration of collagen tissues leads to wrinkles. UV exposure also results in a higher number of free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that lack stability forcing them to search for extra electrons which can harm cell process and transform genetic material, leading to cancer. Exposure to the sun also is harmful to pigment producing cells that can lead to effects such as age spots and discoloration. These reactions that occur under the skin'n surface create unwanted effects that are difficult to reverse.

How does the Sun Cause Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are one of the most familiar results of UV radiation. These appear on parts of your body where sun exposure is the greatest. Fine surface wrinkles and deep furrows are caused by the break down of collagen and the development of free radicals. The factor that keeps your skin smooth by binding it together in a firm manner is the collagen protein. The lack of this necessary component produces skin that is saggy and wrinkled. Unfortunately, collagen can not restore itself after it is damaged. Facial wrinkles are created in this manner up to 80 percent of the time.

How does the Sun Cause Age Spots?

Another effect of sun exposure is age spots. Our skin has a melanin pigment that helps absorb the sunlight in order to protect our skin from UV rays. However, as we age, our skin loses its ability to fend off UV exposure and we see the development of age spots. This discoloration is the outcome of the sun's harm to our melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. As time goes by, sun exposure causes more pigment than normal to be deposited in the skin. This leads eventually to flat, brown skin lesions known as age spots.

How do you Protect Yourself From the Sun?

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 can't keep yourself out of the sun, it is vital to use sunscreen. This is necessary to do daily, even under makeup that says it contains 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. In that case, it is necessary to wear sunscreen as well as other protective layers, such as hats, glasses, and clothing that limit your skin's exposure to the sun. Protect yourself from harmful effects of the sun as well as address already visible signs of aging with natural skin care.