As much as we all love the sun, we know that enjoying it comes with some serious risks. Particularly, if you spend too much time in the sun without proper protection measures in place, you’ll damage skin cells, impede collagen production, and completely halt exfoliation. All of these processes are necessary for healthy skin, and if you harm them with repeated exposure to the sun’s UV rays, you speed up your skin’s aging process.
Melanin is produced by your skin’s melanocytes. In the short term, it is designed to help protect the deeper layers of the skin from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. In small doses, this pigmentation effect is what causes your skin to tan. Yet prolonged sun exposure damages skin cells and can cause hyperpigmentation, in the form of dark spots.
Excess and prolonged sun exposure without a high SPF rated sunblock will eventually lead to sunburn. When this happens the skin cells in the upper and even middle layers of the skin, start to die. The healing and regeneration process can be slow. In some cases, the damage to the skin can be permanent.
If you know you are going to be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time, you should apply one of the antioxidant sunblock’s offered by Cascade Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medical Spa to help protect your skin. The antioxidant ingredients also help nourish your skin and maintain its natural repair processes. It’s a good idea to reapply the sunblock frequently and use a lip balm with SPF rating.
If you need advice on what to do or use to help protect your skin while out in the sun, please don’t hesitate to call us today at 801-762-8989 for advice.
