There’s no better way to savor a sunny summer day than a trip to the park or the beach. While the sun’s warmth can be intoxicating, its harmful UV rays can also be damaging. Although skin cancer is the biggest concern, sun exposure can also cause visible signs of aging that can be difficult or impossible to reverse. In this article we will cover some things you may not know about sun-related aging.
1. Sun Exposure is Responsible for Nearly All Visible Signs of Aging
UV rays cause nearly all visible signs of aging (90%), including fine lines, sunspots and wrinkles. One study found that Japanese women who lived in the sunnier region of the country had poorer skin hydration and longer wrinkles compared to women living in the northern region.
Of course, the body ages naturally, but exposure to the sun only accelerates the process.
2. The Sun’s Rays Can Penetrate Your Skin Even on Cloudy Days
It’s easy to assume that clouds protect you from the sun’s damaging rays, but that’s not the case. Up to 80% of the sun’s harmful rays still penetrate your skin even on the cloudiest of days.
In fact, cloudy days can be even more dangerous than sunny days because you don’t feel the sun’s heat as strongly. When the clouds roll in, it’s important to be diligent about reapplying your sunscreen every two hours to prevent burns and damage.
3. The Left Side of Our Bodies Show More Signs of Sun-Related Aging
In 2012, a 69-year-old trucker made headlines – not because of his career achievements, but because he was the perfect example of how sun exposure accelerates aging. After driving a delivery truck for 28 years, the left side of his face had clearly more dramatic signs of aging compared to the right side of his face.
Even if you don’t spend most of your day driving a truck (or car), the left side of your body will probably show more signs of sun-related aging due to driving.
4. UV Rays Break Down Collagen to Accelerate Aging
Part of the reason why sun exposure accelerates your aging is because UV rays break down collagen at a much higher rate than normal.
When UV rays reach the middle layer of skin, it can cause an abnormal build-up of elastin. This causes the body to produce enzymes that break down collagen, causing fine lines and wrinkles.
The sun’s harmful rays also create free radicals, which only increases the number of collagen-destroying enzymes.
5. Sun Exposure Can Cause Uneven Skin Thickness
Exposure to UV rays can make the skin thicker or thinner in some areas, which leads to coarse wrinkling and yellow discoloration. Uneven skin thickness can also make your blood vessels thinner, leading to spider veins.
One last thing: Sun-related aging can be prevented (mostly). Applying sunscreen every two hours every day can help minimize the aging effects of UV exposure. Sun exposure is also the biggest risk factor for melanoma, giving you yet another reason to wear sunscreen daily.
