Spending years outdoors or lying under the sun inevitably puts a strain on our skin. Dark spots, sagging skin, wrinkles, and discoloration give away the hours and days we've been exposed to the elements. Unfortunately for sun lovers, sun damage can age our skin prematurely and increase our risk of skin cancer. Read on to find out the most common signs and symptoms of sun damage, and to spot any signs as soon as possible.
Sun Damage On Your Face: Signs And Symptoms To Look For
In contrast to typical chronological aging, which depends on your age and genetics, Sun damage occurs when UV light from the sun changes the structure of the skin permanently. These symptoms include:
Rough, dry skin texture
Structural changes in the skin can develop after many years of UV exposure. Symptoms are flaky patches and crusty skin that is denser and protruding from the surface. As of the At the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you can spot deep lines or dry, flaky spots called actinic keratoses (AKs). An AK is a pre-cancerous skin growth. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, this type of sun damage can also lead to skin cancer; AK sometimes turns into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. If you keep an eye on skin changes and consult a doctor, you can identify potential skin cancers early on.
Wrinkles & fine lines
Long-term changes in the skin's collagen, which give the skin its elasticity, can be a symptom of sun damage. These long-term changes can include fine lines, wrinkles, and thickened skin texture. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to UV rays ages your skin prematurely and leads to loss of collagen and skin elasticity. In fact, a staggering 80% of visible aging is caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun.
Sagging, loose skin
Elastin and collagen are two proteins in the skin that deteriorate over time not only due to the natural aging process, but also due to external factors. These factors include too much sun exposure or lifestyle choices like poor diet or excessive drinking. This breakdown in collagen and elastin production leads to loose, sagging skin.
Spider veins
When the collagen deteriorates, it leads to a fragile collagen structure decreased pressure around the blood vessels and decreased elasticity of the skin. This change means that spider veins are more likely to appear on the surface of the skin, a network of red, purple, and blue lines that resemble a spider's web.
A reddish complexion
It is possible that a reddish complexion can be inherited. However, it can also be caused by excessive sun exposure. Reddish skin is characterized by a reddish appearance and skin that looks uneven, blotchy, or broken capillaries.
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) is a broad term that refers to uneven skin tone or dark spots. When uneven skin tone occurs, parts of the skin discolor or darken, either from sun damage or genetics. The skin pigmentation can be classified as either a raised lesion (papule or plaque) or a flat lesion (plaster or macula).
Types of hyperpigmentation can include birthmarks. Any abnormal change in your skin is a good reason to consult a doctor to check for signs of Skin cancer. A stain that was a light color when you first noticed it in your 30s can change the way it looks later in life. Keep an eye on these areas and see your doctor if you notice any changes in color or texture.
Another type of hyperpigmentation is dark spots, also known as sunspots, liver spots, or lentigines. They look like oversized freckles or flat brown spots. These develop chronic exposure to UV light, and they usually appear on the arms, legs, face, hands, neck, and cleavage. This is different from skin pigmentation problems that occur when cells become damaged and reduce melanin production. If you've noticed any of these skin problems, there are ways to protect your skin from further sun damage and improve your skin health.
How to protect your skin from sun damage
If you want your skin to look radiant and healthy for the long term, here are some steps you can take to protect your skin.
1. Apply SPF every 2 hours
SPF is a preventative tool, but only if you are wearing it and remembering to use it again. Reapply evenly and frequently. Sunscreen should be used every 2 hours or more if you sweat, dry off, or come in contact with water.
2. Check your body regularly
When you exit the bath or shower, check your body from head to toe to familiarize yourself with your skin and see if any new spots appear. Also, keep an eye on existing spots and see if their appearance changes in any way.
3. Limit your time outdoors and wear protective clothing
Limit your time outdoors when the sun is at its highest point (e.g., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in most parts of the US). The Skin Cancer Foundation says you should cover yourself with clothes, hats, and sunscreen and seek shade, especially when the sun is at its strongest.
4. Choose sun protection with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher
If you spot any of these symptoms of sun damage, you can stop further damage first. One of the most effective prevention formulas is sun protection. By incorporating SPF into your daily skin care regimen, you are preventing the early signs of aging and other sun damage with minimal effort. Use sunscreens with an SPF of 15 and above regularly to reduce the effects of sun damage. Read this guide to learn more about the benefits of sunscreen and why you need to wear them every day.
5. Look for "broad spectrum" on the label
The sun protection factor measures how well the formula protects you from UVB rays, but does not say anything about the protection against UVA light. For this reason, the second factor to look for in sunscreens is a label that says "Broad Spectrum". This label means that you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are what you can blame for the signs of Wrinkles and fine lines. In comparison, UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and cause skin cancer.
6. Choose a sun protection factor with moisturizing ingredients
If your skin is dry from exposure to the sun, certain ingredients will help keep your skin hydrated. For example ours Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 40 is formulated with shea butter, a moisturizing ingredient that is high in triglycerides and fatty acids. This makes it an excellent emollient that revitalizes and repairs dry skin.
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