Sunlight and photoaging of the skin

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Photoaging is a change in the normal structure of the skin and its premature aging caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, mainly from the sun, but also from artificial sources of radiation.

Over the past few decades, bronze tan has become fashionable and is considered a sign of beauty and health. But science has proven that sunlight in small doses is necessary for our body to produce vitamin D, but prolonged "sunbathing" causes more damage to the body.

Everyone knows how quickly the fabric upholstery of furniture, wallpaper or book bindings that are close to the window burn out when they are exposed to sunlight for a long time.

Often, women who travel by car and rarely appear in the sun have a reddened and wrinkled neck and décolleté, and their hands look old. The fact is that they protect their eyes from the sun by lowering the sun visor, while the neckline and hands on the steering wheel are constantly exposed to solar radiation.

In truck drivers, that half of the face and the hand that is always closer to the window and constantly exposed to the sun from the side of the open window of the car are usually aging faster.

Studies show that even relatively small but repeated skin exposure to solar ultraviolet causes photoaging in human skin. Sun exposure is the main environmental factor that causes premature skin aging (photoaging).

Sunlight and photoaging of the skin

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Aging of human skin due to ultraviolet radiation is a cumulative process that depends on the degree of exposure to the sun and the level of skin pigment. Ultraviolet irradiation induces matrix metalloproteinases responsible for changes in collagen in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue. A series of complex changes at the molecular level causes the breakdown of collagen in the extracellular matrix and the shutdown of new collagen synthesis.

 

Possible negative effects caused by prolonged exposure to the sun
  1. Actinic keratosis is a skin disease caused by aging or prolonged exposure to the sun. It appears as patches of rough, scaly skin. Sometimes it can develop into cancer.
  2. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer!
  3. Skin pigmentation.
  4. Thickening of the epidermis. Occurs as a response of the skin to exposure to solar radiation. The skin becomes rough to the touch.
  5. Cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye). Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the lens of the eye can thicken and become cloudy. Therefore, when using the solarium, it is necessary to wear protective goggles.
  6. Wrinkles. They are signs of premature or accelerated aging. The appearance of wrinkles from exposure to sunlight is precisely photoaging of the skin. Ultraviolet rays damage collagen and elastin fibers, causing them to lose volume and wrinkle, resulting in "baggy clothes" of loose, excess skin.

Sunlight and photoaging of the skin

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The only strategy to prevent photoaging is avoiding the sun and using sunscreen to block or reduce skin exposure to UV rays.

Retinoids, which inhibit collagenase synthesis and promote collagen production, can be used to reduce UV damage and reduce wrinkles.

Sun exposure in childhood seems to be especially harmful! Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor that can be corrected by changing people's behavior. To do this, you can not use sun loungers and do not stay in the sun for a long time, but take an air bath in the shade, wear appropriate clothing or use sunscreen if direct sunlight cannot be avoided.

Taking all scientific evidence together, the European Code Against Cancer warns:

"Avoid too much sun exposure, especially children! Use sun protection! Don't use tanning beds!"

Sunlight and photoaging of the skin

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As mentioned above, active ultraviolet solar radiation contributes to the development of human skin cancer. In addition to direct DNA damage, ultraviolet radiation promotes the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates that can cause oxidative damage and inflammation, and ultimately lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

Contrary to popular belief that the sun, air and water are our best friends, in fact our best friends are only air and water! The sun is like snake venom or alcohol – in small doses it is useful, in large doses it is harmful.