Types of Sun Damage
Millions of people love soaking up as much sun in summer as they can. It's a fun way to spend the day, and the nutrients the sun supplies are essential to a healthy, active life. However, just like too much of anything, too much sun isn't good. All the good things in life that can turn bad if they're overdone, too much sun probably tops the list. The damage that can be caused to skin by spending too much time under a hot sun not only can cause problems, but it can eventually lead to life-threatening circumstances. There are a number of types of damage that can occur from the sun, including but not limited to harmful UV rays. Learning a little about the types of sun damage possible is the first step toward understanding how to prevent sun damage. Following is valuable information from top dermatologists in Summit NJ regarding the different types of sun damage that can occur and how to prevent their negative consequences.
Freckles and other discolorations
Many folks who have freckles love them. In fact, models who have natural freckles, meaning those they're born with, are sought after for their refreshing and unique beauty. However, a lot of people don't like freckles, especially when they're caused by too much exposure to the sun. While genetic freckles can be beautiful, freckles caused by the sun typically are considered sun damage. Other types of discolorations caused by overexposure to the sun are considered mottled pigmentation and even can lead to a sallow or yellow appearance on the skin. Freckles can largely be avoided by liberally applying sunscreen and avoiding mid-day sun.
Wrinkles
Nobody wants to have wrinkles, and millions spend billions to get rid of them or prevent them in the first place. And, yet, many of us think little or nothing about spending hundreds of hours every summer in the sun, which is one of the most prolific sources of wrinkles. Overexposure to the sun causes sun damage to ultimately leads to wrinkles, often before one's time. To prevent wrinkles, especially if you're someone who loves spending lots of time in the sun, use a sunscreen that has SPF 30. Apply and reapply often throughout the day, even if the sky is overcast, as many of those harmful rays can still get through clouds. Additionally, try wearing a large-brimmed hat to shade yourself.
Skin cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the skin, and it can be deadly. The three main types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell, are the less serious types, but make no mistake about it; these can be serious, nonetheless. The third type mentioned, melanoma, consists of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, and this form of skin cancer is the most serious. In fact, melanoma is responsible for upwards of three fourths of all the skin cancer deaths in the U.S. The good news about skin cancer is that it is largely preventable by staying out of the sun, especially mid-day sun, using sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapplying periodically throughout time in the sun, eating a healthy diet that includes antioxidants that fight off skin cancer, and hydrating your body and your skin regularly by drinking lots of water and using lotions that rehydrate thirsty skin.
The sun is a beautiful thing. It heats our homes, lights our lives, provides healthy nutrients for our bodies, and just generally makes life cheerful. But it's no secret that too much sun can cause damage to our bodies, especially to our body's largest organ... the skin. Skin is meant to protect the rest of the body, and if damage occurs to skin, the rest of the body can be left vulnerable. In order to prevent suffering from the damaging effects of sun that can lead to discolorations, skin cancer, and other health conditions, staying out of mid-day sun and applying sunscreen liberally are highly recommended by top dermatologists as the first steps toward living a life free from damage caused by potentially harmful UV rays and other negative effects of sun exposure.
Freckles and other discolorations
Many folks who have freckles love them. In fact, models who have natural freckles, meaning those they're born with, are sought after for their refreshing and unique beauty. However, a lot of people don't like freckles, especially when they're caused by too much exposure to the sun. While genetic freckles can be beautiful, freckles caused by the sun typically are considered sun damage. Other types of discolorations caused by overexposure to the sun are considered mottled pigmentation and even can lead to a sallow or yellow appearance on the skin. Freckles can largely be avoided by liberally applying sunscreen and avoiding mid-day sun.
Wrinkles
Nobody wants to have wrinkles, and millions spend billions to get rid of them or prevent them in the first place. And, yet, many of us think little or nothing about spending hundreds of hours every summer in the sun, which is one of the most prolific sources of wrinkles. Overexposure to the sun causes sun damage to ultimately leads to wrinkles, often before one's time. To prevent wrinkles, especially if you're someone who loves spending lots of time in the sun, use a sunscreen that has SPF 30. Apply and reapply often throughout the day, even if the sky is overcast, as many of those harmful rays can still get through clouds. Additionally, try wearing a large-brimmed hat to shade yourself.
Skin cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the skin, and it can be deadly. The three main types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell, are the less serious types, but make no mistake about it; these can be serious, nonetheless. The third type mentioned, melanoma, consists of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, and this form of skin cancer is the most serious. In fact, melanoma is responsible for upwards of three fourths of all the skin cancer deaths in the U.S. The good news about skin cancer is that it is largely preventable by staying out of the sun, especially mid-day sun, using sunscreen with SPF 30 and reapplying periodically throughout time in the sun, eating a healthy diet that includes antioxidants that fight off skin cancer, and hydrating your body and your skin regularly by drinking lots of water and using lotions that rehydrate thirsty skin.
The sun is a beautiful thing. It heats our homes, lights our lives, provides healthy nutrients for our bodies, and just generally makes life cheerful. But it's no secret that too much sun can cause damage to our bodies, especially to our body's largest organ... the skin. Skin is meant to protect the rest of the body, and if damage occurs to skin, the rest of the body can be left vulnerable. In order to prevent suffering from the damaging effects of sun that can lead to discolorations, skin cancer, and other health conditions, staying out of mid-day sun and applying sunscreen liberally are highly recommended by top dermatologists as the first steps toward living a life free from damage caused by potentially harmful UV rays and other negative effects of sun exposure.