Skin Damage Due to Sunlight

We often hear the words of skin damage from the sun, in fact it is because the skin protects the body from sunlight. Sunlight is a source of ultraviolet radiation that can damage body cells. Excessive exposure in a short time because the sun burns. Long-term exposure causes thickening of the top layer of skin and the increased formation of pigment by pigment-producing cells. Pigment (melanin) is a natural protective substance that absorbs energy from ultraviolet light and prevents the entry of light into the deeper tissues.

Ultraviolet light, although it can not be seen by the human eye, is part of a very influential sunlight on the skin. UV rays are grouped into three types, ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC), depending on the wavelength.

UV light in small amounts is beneficial because it helps the body produce vitamin D. However, large amounts of UV light damage deoxyribonucleid acid (DNA is the genetic material of the body) and changing the amount and type of chemical that makes skin cells. These changes are responsible for the influence of UV light damage, including burning, premature skin aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Although UVA penetrates into the skin, UVB is responsible more to affect the damage of UV rays.

Skin sensitivity to sunlight varies, depending on the race / nation a person, and overall skin condition. Dark-skinned people have more melanin that is more resistant to the harmful effects of the sun (including sun burns, premature skin aging and skin cancer). White people do not have melanin in the skin, and may experience frequent burns despite only having a bit of exposure to sunlight. If not wearing protective, can get skin cancer.

Long-Term Effects of Sunlight

Sun exposure over the years led to the aging of the skin, but the most damaging is the exposure before the age of 18 years. Damage to the deeper layers of the skin causing wrinkles and changes the color to yellow. Sunlight also cause thinning of the skin and can stimulate the growth of precancerous. Too long under direct sunlight can increase the risk of skin cancer.

To minimize damage from sun exposure is to avoid or reduce direct sunlight for long periods. The damage that has occurred is difficult to recover. Excessive sensitivity to sunlight should be overcome by using protective clothing, in order to avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen plus appropriately, thereby helping to reduce skin exposure to direct sunlight.