The warmth of the sun on our skin can feel invigorating, but prolonged exposure to its ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sun damage, which not only affects our appearance but also poses serious health risks. Understanding the causes and warning signs of sun damage is crucial for protecting our skin and preventing long-term consequences.

In this article, we will explore the common causes of sun damage, its effects on the skin, and how to recognize the warning signs.

Common Causes of Sun Damage

Sun damage occurs when our skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun. Two types of UV rays penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and affect our skin: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays make up 95% of the sun’s UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface. UVA has a longer wavelength, allowing it to penetrate deeper into our skin. It can pass through glass, so sitting near a closed window will still expose one to UVA. UVA damages the collagen and elastin in our skin, and can generate harmful free radicals. These results in pre-mature skin aging.

UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and primarily affect the outer layers of the skin. However, compared to UVA, UVB radiation carries more energy. UVB can cause damage to the DNA of skin cells, giving rise to mutations and potentially causing skin cancer.

While a small amount of UV radiation is safe and essential for the skin to produce Vitamin D, certain practices give rise to unnecessarily high UV exposure and skin damage:

1. Prolonged Sun Exposure: Spending excessive amounts of time in the sun, especially without adequate protection, increases the risk of sun damage. Activities such as sunbathing, outdoor sports, and gardening (especially if done between 10am to 4pm when UV intensity is high) can lead to cumulative damage over time. Occupations that require prolonged hours in the skin (eg. in agriculture or construction) carry a greater risk for sun damage and skin cancer.

2. Not Using Sun Protection: Failure to use sunscreen or protective clothing leaves the skin vulnerable to UV radiation. Even on cloudy days or in cooler climates, UV rays can still penetrate the atmosphere and cause damage.

3. Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit concentrated UVA radiation, leading to accelerated skin aging, sunburns, and an increased risk of skin cancer

4. Medications that cause photosensitivity or immune suppression: Some medicines increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation. Others that lower our immunity may make the skin cells more susceptible to DNA damage from UV radiation. Patients on these medicines should take extra care and stay away from the sun.

Effects and Warning Signs of Sun Damage

Sun damage can manifest in various ways ranging from blemishes of cosmetic concern, to more serious conditions such as skin cancer. Some common effects of sun damage include:

1. Sunburn: Excessive exposure to UVB rays can cause sunburn, characterized by redness, pain, swelling, and blistering of the skin. Severe sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin aging.

2. Premature Aging: UV radiation can  damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This leads to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, prematurely aging the skin.

3. Sunspots and Hyperpigmentation: Prolonged sun exposure can stimulate the production of melanin, resulting in the formation of lentigines, freckles, melasma, and uneven discolouration.

4. Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous skin condition caused by excessive sun exposure. They appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp (in men with sparse hair), arms and lower legs. Actinic keratoses have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

5. Skin Cancer: Sun damage is a leading cause of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma, in particular, is highly aggressive and can spread rapidly if not detected and treated early.

Preventing Sun Damage

Prevention is key to protecting your skin from sun damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Apply Sunscreen: It is advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher regularly.
• Seek Shade: Limit sun exposure during peak UV hours (between 10am and 4pm) and seek shade whenever possible, especially if you’re outdoors for an extended period.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin with tightly woven clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Refrain from Using Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. As such, it is best to avoid them.
• Perform Regular Skin Checks: Conduct monthly self-examinations of your skin to monitor for any changes, and schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist for comprehensive evaluation and early detection of skin cancer.

Conclusion

Sun damage is a serious concern that affects people of all ages and skin types. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to a range of skin issues, including sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. By understanding the causes and warning signs of sun damage, and taking proactive measures to protect our skin, we can minimize the risk and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come. Remember to prioritize sun protection, practice sun-safe behaviors, and schedule regular skin checks for optimal skin health and overall well-being.

If you’re concerned about the effect of sun damage on your skin, do visit a dermatologist in Singapore. We recommend consulting the team at TSN Dermatology Skin Specialist Clinic that has extensive experience handling various skin concerns, including epidermal cyst removal. Additionally, you can speak to our Mohs micrographic surgeon or skin cancer surgeon.