The purpose of the human body is to make use of sunlight correctly. Generally, we go to bed at night and wake up in the morning because of the sunlight’s regular movement in our daily life. People who experience the seasonal affective disorder in the winter tend to suffer from depression.
They suffer from the disorder of inadequate sunlight. It is well known that sunlight plays an essential role in creating vitamin D in the human body. However, sunlight has many adverse effects on our skin. Let’s examine the dark side of sun exposure that can harm our skin.
Sun Exposure: The Dark Side
The sun’s warm glow can make us feel good, but it also puts us at risk for early wrinkling, skin cancer, skin damage, and age spots.
First Degree Sunburn
The sun’s UV rays cause sunburn. It is the ultraviolet rays that damage skin cells that cause inflammation. Sunburns usually cause warmth, minor pain, and redness that only damages the top layer of the skin. There is no time limit on how long a sunburn will last after exposure.
Wrinkles
As a result of sunlight radiation, the skin ages, and wrinkles; UV light from the sun damages the skin’s elastin fibers over time. The skin stretches, sags, and loses its ability to return to an earlier position when these fibers break down.
Dr. Barnett S. Kramer is a cancer prevention expert at the National Institutes of Health who believes that “the more sun you get, the earlier you age your skin.” The majority of skin aging in adults is caused by sun exposure before age 18.
Suntan
The golden color is a sign that the skin’s top layer has been damaged. Radiation from the sun accelerates the aging process and increases the chance of developing skin cancer.
Second Degree Sunburn
It is usually more painful and takes longer for a second-degree burn to heal, affecting the deeper layers of skin and nerve endings. The skin appears red and swollen, with blisters also visible. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer a blistering sunburn.
Skin Cancer
The sun’s ultraviolet rays increase the risk of skin cancer. We must remember that sunburns do not cause skin cancer alone.
Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the three most common types of skin cancer. While the first two varieties are widespread and easily treatable, the third variety can be extremely hazardous and even fatal if not caught early.
- Melanoma: The most serious and potentially fatal type of skin cancer is melanoma. There is less chance of this type of skin cancer than other types. Melanoma is characterized by a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented region. There are other melanomas, either found in the skin or spread to organs and bones.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Skin cancer of this type can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. You may find it scaly and red, or you may notice it has been bothering you for a long time. When an area of skin bleeds without causing harm, it is essential to see a doctor. Usually, it appears on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma is treatable if it is identified and treated early.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most frequent kind of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It’s easier to treat and spreads the least, but it’s hazardous to local structures. There are a variety of shapes and sizes of basal cell tumors. It occurs most frequently on sun-exposed portions of the body.
Cataract
A cataract is a hazy spot on the eye’s lens, which prevents light from reaching the retina. Although cataracts are harmless, they can cause vision problems such as light glare, double vision, and blurry vision in one eye.
Sunlight Damage Prevention
A person’s most potent weapon against sun damage is prevention. As the sun’s exposure is reduced, the risk of sunburn is reduced automatically. In terms of prevention, here are a few things to consider:
- You should wear sunscreen even on cloudy days with at least an SPF of 30. It’s best to apply it 15-30 minutes before going outside.
- Cover your arms and legs with clothing if you can.
- Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the greatest, take shelter.
- When heading outside, wear a cap and sunglasses.
Contact Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center
Ultimately, we have discovered that most of us are habituated to saying sunlight is better for our health for creating vitamin D. But excessive sun exposure can lead to serious health problems. As a result, we need to be alert to the dark side of sunlight. If you are considering laser treatments for your skin, contact Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center today. We have a team ready to help you feel comfortable in your skin this fall and winter.