How Does Overexposure to the Sun Affect Skin?

There’s no question that the sun is a powerful force. It has a hand in all sorts of things, from providing warmth to helping plants grow. However, too much sun can be a bad thing, especially when it comes to our skin. In this blog post, we will discuss how overexposure to the sun can affect your skin, and give you some tips on how to protect your skin from the sun's rays. Let's get started!

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Sunburn

You are probably already familiar with this one. Indeed, overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn. Sunburn is when your skin gets red and painful after being in the sun for too long. It's caused by  the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damaging the DNA in your skin cells. 

Sunburn can cause a number of problems, including pain, swelling, and blistering. In severe cases, sunburn can even lead to hospitalization. It is important to remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days, as the UV rays can penetrate through the clouds.

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Aging of the Skin

Overexposure to the sun can also cause the aging of the skin. This is because the UV rays can damage collagen and elastin, two proteins that are responsible for keeping our skin looking young and healthy. When these proteins are damaged, the skin can start to sag and wrinkles can form.

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Skin Cancer

Finally, overexposure to the sun can also lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, and it can be fatal. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and it is usually not fatal. However, if it is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more serious.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it can also be fatal if it is not treated.
• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.

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How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

There are a few things you can do to protect your skin from the sun. Here are a few tips:

• Apply sunscreen before you go outside. It's important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
• Wear protective clothing when you are going to be in the sun. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. If you can, try to find clothing that is made from a light, breathable fabric.
• Try to avoid being in the sun during peak hours. The middle of the day is typically when the sun's rays are strongest. If you must be outside, make sure to find a shady spot to stay in.

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The Bottom Line

Sun exposure can have a number of effects on your skin, some of which can be serious. However, there are things you can do to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your skin healthy and looking its best!

Is your skin starting to show the aging effects of sun overexposure? Contact Lyft Medical Aesthetics today to see how we can help!

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