The Truth About Sun Damage
Although you might love that sun-kissed glow you get after laying out in the sun all day, it’s time you know the truth about the permanent damage caused by time spent unprotected in the sun.
Most people don’t realize that the Sun is the # 1 cause of premature skin aging.
Yup, that’s right, those dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles result from sun exposure.
Unlike normal aging dictated by age and genetics, photo-aging or sun damage happens when Ultraviolet light from the sun and or tanning beds permanently damages the skin’s structure & DNA. These changes in the skin can lead to premature aging, including wrinkles, dark spots, damaged skin barrier, spider veins, skin discoloration and, worst of all, skin cancer.
The Sun emits two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB.
UVA Light: the long waves”- penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. They are so powerful they even penetrate through windows. UVA rays are present any time there is daylight, even if it is cloudy. ⛅️ By destroying essential substances in the skin that maintain its firmness and elasticity, UVA rays are the leading cause of wrinkles.
UVB Light: “the short-waves” - Although they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays, UVB light is still dangerous: UVB rays are directly responsible for skin damage such as sunburn and other visible changes to the skin’s surface, including hyperpigmentation, discolorations and dark spots.
While everyone is susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun, how much damage someone sustains depends on the amount of unprotected sun exposure over a lifetime. Sun damage can and will occur from cumulative exposure to unprotected skin daily.
What to watch for:
Asymmetry: one side of the mole or birthmark does not match the other side
Border: irregular or scalloped borders
Colour: colours vary and may have shades of tan, brown, black or sometimes white, red, pink, or blue
Diameter: the spot is larger D than 6 mm. (the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving: the mole or lesion is suddenly changing size, shape, and or colour
Prevention is Key! Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from sun damage
Wear quality grade SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2-3 hours every single day, rain 🌧 or shine ☀️.
Limit sun exposure, especially midday (10 am-4 pm)
Wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses
