Once you step outside of your house during the day time, you are exposed to the sun’s UV rays. In case you are not yet aware, excessive sun exposure can negatively affect your skin. Skin experts and medical professionals have warned people that it is important to know the effects of sun exposure. Some effects can be easily taken care of while some, may even need surgical treatments as sun exposure can develop skin cancer.
Thankfully, there are innovative ways that can treat any kind of skin issue. It is best to consult with a professional to know more about these treatment methods and which of them will work best on you.
It is best to teach the younger generation ways to take care of the skin. If you want to know why it is important to take care of your skin, continue reading to know what are the negative impacts of the sun on the skin.
Wrinkles/Aging
It is clear that wrinkles are signs of aging, and sun exposure is considered as one of the factors that contribute to the development of such skin depressions. The UV light can cause substantial damages to the skin’s elastin and collagen tissues making the skin saggy and fragile. White cysts, dark sports, and blackheads may also form on the cheekbone area due to UV light exposure that damages the surface cells.
Heat Rash
Heat rash occurs when the sweat ducts trap the perspiration underneath the skin. This skin condition usually takes place during humid and hot weather. Heat rash has a reddish pimple-like or small blister appearance that can develop on certain skin areas such as the elbows, upper chest, groin, skin folds, neck, and elbow creases. It can be treated by staying in a cool environment which prevents you from sweating and keeping the affected area dry.
Sunburn
One of the most common negative effects of excessive sun exposure is sunburn due to its ultraviolet rays. It has been said that after four to five hours of sun exposure, such symptoms of sunburn may appear. Sunburn is quite common to happen as people often forget to apply sunscreen or sunblock whenever they go to the beach or when they stay out too long under the sun.
Skin Cancer
The worst thing that can happen when your skin is exposed to the sun for too long is developing skin cancer. As we age, our skin can get weaker and more fragile making the UV light’s damages stronger resulting in a greater risk of developing skin cancer. There are three common types of skin cancer, namely: Squamous cell carcinoma, Malignant melanoma, Basal cell carcinoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC can happen due to chronic ulcers of the skin and burn scars caused by radiation treatment or heat. Mainly, SCC usually happens because of excessive sun exposure. In some cases, SCC can spread throughout the lymph nodes and sometimes, affecting other organs. This type of skin cancer may vary in size and may require surgical treatments depending on their severity.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant is not as common as SCC and BCC but cases of such conditions have been increasing every year, especially in young women aging 18 to 29 due to the high rate of tanning beds that are usually used nowadays. Despite it being less common, melanoma can be very dangerous. It can develop in any place where there are pigment-producing cells like the eyes and skin. Melanoma can spread to lymph nodes which can also travel to other organs such as the liver, brain, and lungs. This type of skin cancer can be much more common to families who have a history of developing malignant melanoma and abnormal mole development. So make sure you get familiar with the mole removal procedures available out there.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC usually occurs on sun-damaged skin and has a shiny, pink, and raised appearance. The skin may tend to become very soft making it easy to get injured. It has been identified that BCC can commonly develop in the beard area of men as they often use a razor that takes the top off the cancer spot. BCC does not spread but can get bigger and deeper over time. This type of skin cancer can be a problem if ignored.