4 Harmful Effects of UV Rays on Skin
The depletion of the ozone layer reduces the earth’s natural protection from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to serious health problems in children and adults. In a newsroom article, skin cancer and eye illnesses are two of the most harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on humans.
What Are UV Rays?
UV radiation is part of the natural energy that the sun produces. UV light has shorter wavelengths as compared to visible light. This is why your eyes cannot see UV but your skin can feel it. Tanning beds emit UV radiation.
Two types of UV light contribute to skin cancer: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging while UVB has a shorter wavelength and is connected with skin burning. Both of them are harmful although they have different effects on the skin. The harmful effects of unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB are DNA damages in the skin cells, genetic defects or mutations that lead to skin cancer, and premature aging. UV rays can also cause eye damage like cataracts and eyelid cancers.
Facts You Need To Know
Damage from UV exposure is cumulative and increases your skin cancer risk over time. Your body cannot repair all the DNA damage in the skin cells. The unrepaired damage triggers mutations that cause skin cells to multiply quickly and can lead to malignant tumors.
2. The degree of damage on the skin is determined by the intensity of UV rays and the length of time your skin has been exposed with no protection.
3. UVB penetrates and damages the outermost layers of your skin. Too much exposure causes sunburn, suntan, and blistering. UVB is connected to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) written on the labels of sunscreen products. The SPF number indicates how long it would take for the sun’s radiation (including some of the UVA) to redden your skin when you use the product as compared to the time when there is no sunscreen.
4. UVA rays can cause tanning while the shorter wavelengths can cause sunburn. UVA is connected to the “broad-spectrum protection” you see printed on the labels of sunscreen products. The harmful effect of exposure to UVA is genetic damage to the cells on the innermost part of the top layer of the skin.
Knowing the risks of how UV radiation damages the skin can help people take precautionary measures to avoid the effects of UV rays on skin. The first step is to identify sun-related health problems so you can lower your chances of suffering any of them. To get you started, here are 4 common skin problems associated with ultraviolet rays.
4 Adverse Effects on Skin Caused by UV Rays
1. Skin Cancer
UV rays from sunlight are carcinogens. The three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are examples of the ill effects of ultraviolet radiation on your skin.
Melanoma – The most dangerous type of skin cancer. The risk factors include UV exposure and sunburn. Not all melanomas are sun-related. Others come from immune system deficiencies and genetic factors.
Non-melanoma skin cancers – Although these are less deadly than melanomas, they can still spread if left untreated. They cause disfigurement and serious health problems. The two primary types of non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Basal cell carcinomas - The most common type of skin cancer tumors that looks like small, fleshy bumps or nodules on the neck and head but can happen on other skin areas. They grow slowly and seldom spread to other body areas. It can penetrate the bone.
Squamous cell carcinomas - Tumors that appear as red, scaly patches or nodules are effects of UV rays on skin. This can develop into huge masses and can spread to other parts of the body.
Skin MD has board-certified dermatologists who can take care of your skin and keep it youthful always. To alleviate your fear of having skin cancer, one of the most dangerous effects of UV rays on skin, our experts will perform mole checks or a skin biopsy in line with medical dermatology.
2. Sunburn
Sunburn is a UV rays skin damage. It happens when the skin cells are damaged due to the absorption of energy from ultraviolet rays. Your skin turns red because of the extra blood that flows to the damaged skin to repair it.
3. Premature Aging
One of the serious effects of UV rays on skin is premature aging. The skin becomes wrinkled, thick, and leathery. It happens slowly and is often considered a normal part of growing older. The sun caused most of the visible skin changes normally attributed to aging. Most premature aging of the skin can be prevented through proper protection from UV radiation.
Skin MD offers a Total Anti-Aging Package so you can achieve a younger look through a series of personalized dermatology services that include botox injection, lip fillers, and dark circle treatment. These skin treatments target and treat all signs of aging on your face to restore your youthful glow and radiant skin.
4. Immune Suppression
Overexposure to UV radiation may suppress the proper functioning of the immune system and the natural defenses of the skin. This weakens the body’s immune system and lessens the skin’s ability to protect against cancers and infections.
ALSO READ: What Your Skin Says About Your Health: 19 Telltale Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Ultraviolet radiation damages the skin that can cause serious health problems to people. Skin cancers, sunburn, premature aging, and immune suppression are the common effects of UV rays on skin. It is important to take all necessary precautions to prevent yourself from getting sick. It also helps to have your skin checked by dermatologists who can properly take good care of your skin.
Skin MD takes exquisite care in every consultation, treatment, and evaluation to help you reach your beauty goals. We provide safe and effective cosmetic and medical treatments. With our experts at Skin MD, you can prevent the harmful effects of UV rays on skin and maintain your overall wellness. Do you have skin-related concerns that you want to consult? Skin MD can help.