How Does Sun Exposure Affect Skin?

What does sun exposure do to your skin? 

The following are a few examples of what sun exposure does to your skin over time: 

• Destruction of elastic and collagen fibers  
• Pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis) and cancerous skin lesions 
• Wrinkles 
• Lines 
• Sagging skin 
• Dilation of small blood vessels under the skin 
• Dark spots 
• Leathery-looking skin 
• Freckles 
• Yellowing of the skin 

Can you reverse skin damage from the sun?

You can help protect your skin from future damage by wearing sunscreen with broad-screen protection and an SPF of at least 30 as well as avoiding too much sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  

The following can help reverse the damage you already have: 

• Exfoliation – to remove the buildup of dead skin cells
• Microdermabrasion – to make your skin look smoother
• Topical creams – such as those containing AHA or hyaluronic acid

What are the long-term effects of sun exposure?

The damage of sun exposure can accumulate over time, leading to skin that looks prematurely aged. It can cause wrinkles, dark spots, freckles, and other issues as well as pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. 

How is the sun harmful to humans?

When you get too much sun exposure, ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach the inner layers of skin, which can cause skin cells to die, become damaged, or develop cancer.  

Can you get sick from too much sun exposure?

In addition to its long-term effects, the sun can make you sick from just one severe sunburn. Your skin may turn red and blister while you’re still out in the sun, or it may not occur for several hours. In the meantime, you could develop sun poisoning, which can cause symptoms that include the following: 

• Pain 
• Tingling 
• Swelling 
• Headache 
• Fever 
• Chills 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Dehydration 

What does sun damage on skin look like?

Sun damage can look like the following: 

• Spots 
• Blotches  
• Wrinkles 
• A suntan or sunburn 
• Rough, scaly patches of skin or raised bumps (actinic keratoses) 
• Discolored areas that look like freckles (age spots or liver spots) 
• Moles  
• Red blotches or bumps on your face (rosacea) 
• A reddish-brown color on your neck that may include burning and itching 

Is the sun really bad for skin?

Too much sun is definitely damaging to your skin’s health and appearance. 

What are the dangers of too much sun exposure?

Too much sun exposure can cause sun poisoning as well as damage that accumulates over time. This long-term damage can cause wrinkles, discoloration, skin cancer, and other issues. 

How much sun should you get in a day?

About 10 to 30 minutes of sun a day can help you get vitamin D but avoid damage. 

Can the sun make you sick?

Too much sun can give you a severe sunburn and sun poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, fever, chills, and a headache. 

If you’d like to learn more about how you can protect your skin and reverse some of its sun damage, make an appointment today with Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas, Texas. We look forward to providing you with expert, high-quality care in a compassionate atmosphere.