How Can Sun Rays Harm Your Skin?

Sunrays can harm the skin. Too much sun exposure can damage your skin health and appearance. We all are aware of the “Sunshine Vitamin D.” Yes, sunrays are beneficial too. Right exposure to the sun is important along with taking some necessary precautions. It is important to know about sun safety and skin protection measures. 

Remember, sun rays can aggravate the skin problem making it look dull and lustreless.

How can sun rays harm your skin?

Here are a few examples of what sun exposure does to your skin over time. Sun rays can harm your skin in the following ways which are as follows- 

• Dehydrated skin- It takes away the skin's glow and moisture
• Premature aging- Destruction of elastic and collagen fibers
• Flushed face- Dilation of small blood vessels under the skin
• Hyperpigmentation- The appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and freckles
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Damage to the skin barrier
• Rough leathery looking skin
• Skin becomes prone to pre-cancerous lesions 

Can you reverse skin damage from the sun?

Well, reversing the sun's damaging effects on the skin is quite a difficult task. Overexposure to the skin for a long time will result in permanent damage to the skin. However, the good news is that skin tends to renew. With time and a good skincare routine, sun damaging effects on the skin can be reduced. The best way to avoid sun damage is to take preventive measures by applying sunscreen when stepping out in the sun and following good healthy skin care practices can help. 

Here are some quick tips and tricks to prevent skin damage from sun rays. 

• Protect your skin from future damage by the application of sunscreen
• Choose broad screen protection with high SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor)
• Avoid too much exposure between 10 am to 4 pm
• Use protective solutions like shades, gloves, hats, and clothing
• Apply sunscreen for 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun.

How to reduce sun damage?

It is never too late to begin. If you have already damaged skin due to overexposure to sun rays, Fret Not! We have rounded up some effective solutions which will help you reverse skin damage caused by sun rays. You can reduce sun damage by taking the following measures - 

• Follow healthy skincare habits
• Follow a skincare routine for the CTM procedure
• Weekly exfoliation is a must to eliminate dead skin cells
• Avoid sun exposure to the skin by taking precautionary measures
• Use natural pure Age Defying Vitamin C Serum daily at night before bed
• Use hyaluronic-based moisturizers containing natural extracts of AHAs
• Applying pure aloe vera gel helps in skin lightening
• Use Vitamin E and squalene-based moisturizers
• Use anti-aging products enriched with antioxidants
• Weekly facials at the spa can work wonders to pamper skin
• Do not step out in sun immediately after exfoliation or facial treatment
• Use a facial clay mask which works wonders to lighten and repair skin

What does sun damage on the skin look like?

 Sun damage can look like the following - 

• Blotches and freckles with brownish discoloration
• Suntan or Sunburn in extreme cases
• Actinic keratosis- rough scaly raised bumps on the skin
• Discolored patches on the skin with uneven skin tone ( yellowish skin)
• Rosacea due to marked sensitivity of the skin
• Sun allergy- Reddish-brown discoloration of the skin with increased itching
• Darkening of moles

What are the long-term effects of sun exposure?

The damage of sun exposure to the skin can build up over time leading to premature aging. When there is overexposure of the skin to harmful sun rays, it may cause chronic skin issues. The UV rays can reach the deeper layers of the skin and cause damage to the skin cells. This may affect the skin barrier functioning causing skin problems. In extreme cases, the skin cells (melanocytes) may die.

Can you get sick from too much sun exposure?

 In addition to chronic long-term effects, one episode of severe sunburn can not affect skin health but also your mental and physical well-being. Severe sunburn episodes can cause the following issues- 

• Redness and blisters on the skin
• Pain
• Swelling of skin
• Headache
• Fever and fatigue
• Nausea and dizziness
• Dehydration
• Lack of concentration and confusion
• Discomfort with an increase in body temperature

How much sun exposure is considered healthy?

Sun exposure is not always harmful. We are aware of the important benefits of Vitamin D which is also called “Sunshine Vitamin.” Sun is one of the important sources of Vitamin D which is synthesized through the skin. Getting your daily dose of Vitamin D through sun exposure is essential. 

The best way to get your Vitamin D from the sun is to get it through early morning sunrays before 9 am. The early morning sunrays are not harsh on the skin and are considered the best sources of Vitamin D. Taking a daily morning walk for 20-30 mins before 9 pm is the best way to achieve Vitamin D benefits.

The Final Takeaway

Awareness of sun damage to the skin is very essential. This will help incorporate preventive measures to keep skin healthy always. So, start with healthy skin care practices to avoid skin damage from the sun from today itself!