When the sun is shining after months of snow, it’s hard to stay away and not bask in its glory. But before you head out to your deck in a JLo-esque bikini to soak in those rays and build your “base tan” for the next few months, let me tell you about the negative cumulative effects of sun exposure:
1. Higher Risk of Cellular Damage
Tanned skin is considered beautiful in US culture. Who doesn’t like to have that golden glow? But that golden color you see is actually the result of injury to the top layer of the skin. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays accelerates the effects of aging and increases your chances for developing skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, use an SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. We love Image’s line of sunscreens, which we carry here at Barris. Our office’s current favorite is Image’s Daily Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 ($35.00), which protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays AND provides coverage in one application!
2. Wrinkles
Did you know that more than 80% of skin aging in adults is a result of the tans they got before the age of 18? This is because the sun’s UV rays damages the skin’s fibers, aka: elastin. When elastin breaks down, it causes the skin to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back in place after stretching. In mathematical terms, if you will:
3. Age Spots & Uneven Skin Tone
Too much sun can also cause uneven color, or pigmentation of the skin. Some spots on the skin may appear darker, while others are lighter. Included under this umbrella of uneven skin tone are age spots, which are pesky brown or gray spots that usually appear on areas of the body where you’re exposed to the sun, like the chest and hands. Although called “age” spots, these spots are actually caused by the sun. They then multiply as you get older. Bleaching creams and treatments such as IPLs may lessen their appearance, but the best way to avoid Age Spots? Repeat with me: wear an SPF!
4. Skin Cancer
1 word: Melanoma. While it’s not as common as other types of skin cancer, it is the most serious and potentially deadly. Possible signs of melanoma include a change in appearance of a mole or pigmented area, so consult your doctor if you notice a mole that’s changing in size, shape, color, or that has irregular edges, itches, oozes, or bleeds.
While a tan may make you feel golden and prettier, the end result of constant, unprotected sun exposure is not pretty at all. So slather on that sunscreen, wait 30 minutes, and then go enjoy that sunshine like JLO herself.