Sun Damaged Skin: The More You Know, the More You Glow
Ever wondered why your skin looks a little dull and lackluster during the winter months? Blame it on the sun! No, seriously. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin in a number of ways, leading to everything from premature aging to cancer. Keep reading to learn more about how the sun can damage your skin and what you can do to protect yourself.
Types of Sun Damage
There are two types of UV rays that can damage your skin: UVA and UVB. And guess what? Both are present year-round, even when it's cloudy or cold outside. Here's a quick breakdown of each:
UVA rays are the longest wavelength and can penetrate deep into the dermis, or middle layer of skin. These rays are responsible for wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and other types of premature aging.
UVB rays are shorter in wavelength and only penetrate the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. These rays are responsible for sunburns, as well as long-term damage like Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer.
Now that you know a little more about how the sun can damage your skin, let's talk about how you can protect yourself!
Prevention is Key Protecting your skin from sun damage is important at any age, but it's especially crucial if you're young. That's because much of the damage done by UV rays is cumulative, meaning it adds up over time. So even if you don't see any negative effects now, they could surface later on down the road. The best way to protect yourself is to use sunscreen year-round, even when it's cold or cloudy outside. aim for an SPF of 30 or higher and be sure to reapply every couple of hours—more often if you're sweating or swimming. Other ways to protect yourself from the sun include wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, as well as seeking shade whenever possible.
Now that you know a little more about how the sun can damage your skin and how to prevent it, you can make sure you're doing everything possible to keep your skin looking its best—now and in the future! Remember: just because you don't see any effects now doesn't mean they won't surface later down the road. So, take care of your skin now and enjoy healthy, youthful looking skin for years to come! Thanks for reading!
