Effect Of Sun On Skin

Recently Answered

• QHow does the sun affect the skin?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A HealthyWomen answered

  The sun affects the skin in several ways. Because exposure to the sun causes most of the skin changes associated with aging, protecting the skin from the sun is the single most important skin care practice you can adopt. Significant exposure to the sun will wrinkle and dry the skin. Uneven pigmentation -- from freckles to small or large brown spots -- is another side effect of frequent sunning. Melasma, commonly associated with pregnancy, is brought out by the sun and produces large brown patches on the forehead and cheeks.

  The most serious consequence of sun exposure is skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, making up nearly half of all diagnosed cases of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Most sun damage occurs prior to the age of 18, but skin cancer can take up to 20 or more years to develop. Children who experience just a few serious sunburns are believed to have an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

  See All 4 Answers
• QWhat are sun blisters?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL answered

  If you develop a severe sunburn, blisters can occur. This is like getting a 2nd degree burn. It's important to seek medical help if blisters occur.

• QHow long does it take for sun damage to show up as skin wrinkles?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  The sun causes changes in your skin's connective tissue. There is a part of the skin collagen known as elastin. This is degraded by sun and can lead to wrinkling. Genetics plays an important role here as well. The thicker and darker your skin, the longer you can be exposed to the sun before wrinkling occurs. Very short sun exposures for our fair-skinned, freckling population can lead to early wrinkling. Of course, other issues like tobacco exposure and aging can lead to wrinkling, as well.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhy is it important to take steps to prevent skin cancer during the summer?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mercy Health answered

  It is important to take steps to prevent skin cancer during the summer because ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer and can also cause damage to the eyes. So while enjoying the great outdoors, it's important for people to be aware of how much sunlight they get. With the beautiful weather and days spent outdoors at the park, the beach and the golf course, people's skin may be getting more sun exposure in summer than at other times of the year. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.

• QWhat are liver or age spots?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  So it’s probably time to retire the name “liver spots” since these marks have nothing to do with your liver. The brown-colored, flat patches are technically called lentigines. (Sounds like a lentil in jeans!) Lentigines are not freckles or moles, but they are benign (not cancerous), darkly pigmented patches that typically show up as you age. In fact, you may have heard the patches referred to as “age spots.” They can pop up almost anywhere on your body.

   

  The most common type, solar lentigines, are on your hands and face, and whatever skin has been exposed to lots of ultraviolet (UV) rays. The presence of solar lentigines means you probably spent too much time sunbathing (or tanning in a salon), or frolicking on the beach without sunscreen on. And that’s a major risk factor for melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer. If you aren’t sure if your brown spots are harmless, have a dermatologist take a closer look.

  See All 2 Answers
• QIs sun exposure more dangerous at the beach?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  It usually is, but it's not because of the environmental conditions - it has more to do with the lack of precautions beachgoers take. Often, you wear just a bathing suit, which doesn't cover too much skin. Additionally, beachgoers often forget to wear or reapply sunscreen as often as they should.

  Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

  See All 4 Answers
• QCan the sun harm my skin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  When your skin is exposed to the sun, it's susceptible to sunburn and other damage from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunburns can cause lasting damage on top of painful redness and blisters. To be safe, always wear sunscreen.

  Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
  
• QWhat sun allergies exist?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is the most common allergic reaction to the sun. It results in a rash that usually consists of clusters of red or pink raised spots that can burn and itch for days. Others might experience solar urticaria. This allergy can result in large, painful hives.

  Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

  See All 2 Answers
• QIs black skin less prone to sun damage than white skin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Contrary to popular beliefs, both black and white skin can be damaged by exposure to the sun. While black skin has a natural sun protection factor (SPF) of 13.4 and white skin 3.3, both skin colors are equally susceptible to damage. Regardless of the color of your skin, you should always have some form of protection from the sun.