How the Sun Damages Your Skin
Between tanning beds, beach trips, gardening, and kids’ soccer games, your skin is getting more sun than you think. Damage can even occur from the sunlight that enters your car while driving. You may believe you are safe from the rays, but the sun can be sneaky and get you in ways that you weren’t expecting. Even this late into the year.
UVA vs. UVB Rays
In order to fully understand how the sun damages your skin, you’ll need to know the difference between UVA and UVB rays and how they affect you.
Skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, or outermost layer; the dermis, or middle layer; and the subcutis, or bottom most layer. The dermis contains collagen, elastin and other fibers that support the skin’s structure. It is these elements that give skin its smooth and youthful appearance — and that are damaged by UV radiation (Skin Cancer Foundation).
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, ultraviolet radiation is energy emitted naturally from the sun and is also emitted from tanning beds. There are two types of UV light that contribute to sun damage and skin cancer:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.
When protecting yourself from the sun, you want to make sure to block both UVA and UVB; do not treat one as less harmful than another.
“Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer (as well as premature aging.) These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.”
How to Fully Protect Yourself from the Sun’s Rays
- Purchase broad-spectrum sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection.
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of 30 or higher and choosing a water-resistant type.
- Wear a hat when outside in the sun; there are even clothing options with UV protection that you can purchase at various stores.
- Water, snow, and sand reflect the sun more so than in an area without one of those factors, therefore you will want to make sure you are fully prepared and protected.
- Stop going to tanning beds and sun-bathing; you may want to go back to work showing off your beachy tan after a long vacation, but realize that there could be long-term health consequences in the future because of the UV rays.
- Install UV-blocking film on your car windows as UVA rays can still reach you through glass, although UVB cannot.
When stepping out into the sun, start getting into a good habit of applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and planning ahead to ensure you and your loved ones are properly protected from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Remember–you may be having fun in the sun in that moment, but those moments will catch up to you one day. Be sun smart!
In the meantime, if you would like to diminish the appearance of any skin damage you notice, contact Laura Skin Care and book an appointment for a microdermabrasion or skin firming and regeneration session or a chemical peel!
