The primary cause of 90% of skin aging is sun exposure, more specifically, cumulative sun damage or photoaging. This is the result of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrating the skin and damaging its cells. UV exposure can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and other visible signs of aging.
Here are some key details about sun damage and its impact on skin aging:
- UV rays: The sun emits two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, both of which contribute to skin aging.
- Cumulative damage: While a single sunburn may not seem significant, repeated exposure over time can cause cumulative damage to the skin.
- Visible changes: Sun damage is responsible for 90% of the visible changes associated with aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
- Skin cancer risk: Sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest type of skin cancer.
To protect your skin from sun damage, it's essential to:
- Wear sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
- Seek shade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with long sleeves, pants, and a hat when outdoors.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV rays that are even more harmful than natural sunlight.
By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your risk of skin aging and skin cancer.
