Sun Damage: A Major Cause of Wrinkling and Premature Aging

Most of us love the warmth of the sun, but over exposure can cause significant damage to our skin. The sun's ultraviolet rays (UV) can cause our skin to dry out and lose essential oils and decades of tanning, burning and over exposure to the sun may cause changes in our skin's structure.

Unprotected skin exposed to the sun can gradually lose essential oils, making it dry, flaky and prematurely wrinkled. Repeated episodes of sunburn, although they appear to heal on the surface, can lead to permanent skin damage over time.

Excessive over exposure to the sun can cause changes in the skin's collagen called photoaging. These changes can take the form of wrinkles and fine lines, decreased skin elasticity (sagging skin), or a thickened skin textured. UV radiation can damage the collagen that supports the walls of the skin's blood vessels, causing them to be more fragile. A symptom of this is easy bruising on sun-exposed areas such as the back of hands.

Over the years, repeated sunburns and unprotected exposure to the sun can increase the risk of skin cancers including basal cell and malignant melanoma and other types of skin cancers..

Prevention is the key to avoiding photoaging and more serious skin damage. Here are some ways you can protect your skin from the harmful UV rays:

ALWAYS apply a sunscreen before you go outdoors, especially to your face, neck and hands. That means 365 days a year, rain, shine or clouds. Choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more, with a broad spectrum of protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Use a sunblock on your lips, preferably with an SPF of 20 or above.

Wear sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B light protection.

Wear long pants, a shirt with long sleeves and a hat with a wide brim.

Limit your time outdoors when the sun is at its highest (about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Certain medications such as antibiotics can increase your vulnerability to sunburn. Check with your doctor.

What to do if you think you already have skin damage

Be sure to see your doctor immediately if you have any unusual looking moles or changes in your skin. Don't wait.

You may be able to improve the appearance of moderately sun damaged skin with alpha-hydroxy acids, which remove dead skin cells from the out layers of your skin, leaving it softer and smoother. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion may also be helpful.

Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of the site Skin-Sage.com which is dedicated to reviewing anti-aging and anti-wrinkle skin care products and offering tips on having younger looking skin.

---

Beauty Secrets of the Stars

It comes as no surprise that many of the most... Read More

Pierced Ear Problems and Solutions

The practice of ear piercing dates back to thousands of... Read More

What is Digital Nail Art?

How is the procedure performed?After the nails are given a... Read More

Color Toric Contacts - Good News for People with Astigmatism

If you have an astigmatism it doesn't mean that you... Read More

How Sleep Affects Our Skin

Sleep is a "natural, temporary loss of consciousness" (Robinson, 1941)... Read More

5 Steps to Clear Skin

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretionAccutane is a derivative of... Read More

How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is a very popular subject these... Read More

Rosacea Treatment & Rosacea Skin Care - Can You Cure Rosacea? There is a Solution....

Rosacea is a fairly common skin disorder that primarily affects... Read More

Have You Done Your Hair Care Correctly?

Love your hair like you going to lose it. Hair... Read More

New York Laser Hair Removal Clinics Are All The Rage

Laser hair removal: New Yorkers are in love with it.... Read More

Look Years Younger In Minutes

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first... Read More

Spring and Summer Make-up Trends 2005

Natural, Radiant skinThat's right, summer is upon us already, which... Read More

Cosmetic Chin Surgery - The Final Facial Touch

When either cosmetic or plastic surgery are mentioned to us,... Read More

Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong Not Just News

As with just about anything in life, there are many... Read More

Safe Tanning Ideas

Being outdoors is not the only element to take into... Read More

Wrinkle Buster In Your Kitchen

Many cosmetic companies are capitalizing on on our need to... Read More

Deep Skin Moisturizing

When it comes to skin care, moisturizing is usually one... Read More

Hyaluronic Acid ? Newest Celebrity Beauty Secret?

We can always count on celebrities to serve as guinea... Read More

Serious Skincare

Serious skin care vs. winter weather, cleansers, and stress. Serious... Read More

Dry Skin Care

Is your dry skin itchy and flaky or cracking and... Read More

Fade My Freckles!

Freckles, age spots, pregnancy mask - these harmless skin defects... Read More

It Doesn?t Take Long To Make Yourself Feel Better!

Spending 5 minutes on your face:FACECold winter winds deplete your... Read More

Natural Skin Care Products - Why Natural Ingredients Work Best on Skin

Natural skin care products seem to be on the rise... Read More

Clean Your Face With Ultra Botanicals Facial Cleanser

Women are chasing down ultra botanicals facial cleanser in droves.... Read More

What is Botox and Whats the Use

Botox is an injectable substance that is a medical grade... Read More

Tanning Beds: History and Advice

Tanning beds were brought to North America by German scientist... Read More

Eye Spy - In Search of a Greater Lash

Shopping for mascara can be an "eye opening"... Read More

Tips on Using a Hair Iron

The hair iron is coming more and more popular. It... Read More

Unique Fun Contact Lenses - How To Stand Out In A Crowd

Unique fun contact lenses are what will make you stand... Read More

Handmade and Homemade Toiletries?Buyer Beware

If you've been to a craft show or a farmers'... Read More

Living Water

A wellness of beauty for mind, body & spiritby Cathy... Read More

Spray Tan Basics

With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences... Read More

Plastic Surgery: Rhinoplasty / Nose Job Information

What is a Rhinoplasty?Rhinoplasty is a very common procedure which... Read More