Six Solid Reasons to Limit Your Sun Exposure

 On average, eighty-percent (80%) of sun damage occurs before our eighteenth birthday, and as we go through life it becomes harder for skin to repair itself.  Depending on your ethnicity, one can begin to see the early cumulative effects of ultra-violet (UV) rays on unprotected skin from your late twenties. Truth be told, let’s not rush to blame all of that just on the sun, other lifestyle choices also play a pivotal role.  However, don’t despair, no matter what age you start showing some kindness to your largest organ, it’s never too late to safe guard against continued impairments.

Although this applies to the entire body, I want you to focus on the FACE in this issue, as this particular area is exposed to the elements, 99.99% of the time as compared to the most covered parts of the body.    

1.THE SUN SUCKS MOISTURE FROM OUR SKIN

When the epidermis is damaged, its barrier function is impaired and it doesn't retain moisture as well, as a result it becomes dried out and dull looking. Think raisins instead of grapes.

2. OVER TIME THE SUN CAUSES SKIN TO BECOME THINNER AND MORE LEATHERY

You may want your waistline to be as thin as possible, but not your skin.  You want this organ,     plump, plump and plump.  As the skin's outer layers become less able to repair themselves, accumulated damage becomes more visible as surface irregularities,broken capillaries, uneven complexion, and actinic keratosis begins to appear.

3. THE SUN COMPROMISES COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN
UV rays cause collagen and elastin fibers to prematurely unravel.  Think of a brick wall.   The collagen is the brick and the cement that holds the brink in place is the elastin, only this cement has the ability to stretch and bounce back into shape, like a rubber band.   Think of a rubber band that looses it ability to snap back into shape after its left in a dryer set on high too long.  Crack, Snapple, Pop.  At this stage we move from surface dryness to the formation of wrinkles.

4. THE SUN CREATES PIGMENT PROBLEMS

UV rays over stimulate the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), as these cells go into over drive producing melanin to protect the skin against repeated UV assault, discoloration develops.  This discoloration at first coalesce around the most vulnerable parts of the face (eyes, tips and bridge of nose, upper lip and mouth area).

5. THE SUN DAMAGES DNA

UV exposure causes DNA mutations that can result in skin cancer.  Fortunately, because the skin is an external organ, getting to skin cancer is less invasive than most other types of cancer, hopefully, the scar left behind by removal is on any part of the body other than your face. Of course you can only consider yourself fortunate if this is caught early and removed.  Left untreated this is just as worrisome as any other cancer.  Regular dermatologist visit anyone!

6. THE SUN IMPAIRS IMMUNITY

Unprotected sun exposure compromises skins immune system. “So how am I gonna get my Vitamin   Deeee?”  Yes we need sun exposure for this, but there is a difference between smart sunning and over exposing.  In my next issue I will address this.