Sun Damage
While the natural tendency of our skin to succumb to aging is inevitable, we can control the damage we receive from the sun’s harmful rays by limiting our contact with the sun, and wearing protective sunblock. Over-exposure to the sun ages the skin prematurely, and also is responsible for skin cancers. UV radiation causes skin tissue to lose its ordinary elasticity, resulting in sagging, tired skin that is depleted of moisture and resilience.
Sun damage also drains our skin of its collagen, an important protein in the human body that is responsible for the skin’s suppleness and youthfulness. Collagen works like a hydrating gel encasing the cells, providing a healthy glow to the complexion. When it is absent, the skin becomes rough, dull and hollow. If sun damage continues, it can even trigger the skin cells to begin reproducing at an abnormal rate, which we know as cancer.
Excessive sun exposure can cause the over-production of melanin, the skin’s pigment, creating color irregularities in the complexion, which may induce self-consciousness. The skin can even get quite dark as in over-tanning. While those with lighter skin are most at risk for the dangers of sun damage, even people with darker skin can receive harm from the sun’s rays.