Sun damage: Effects of sun exposure on skin

In this article I am going to discuss the effects of sun exposure on the skin, it will be a complete guide on SUN DAMAGE. 

WHAT IS SUN EXPOSURE? 

BENEFITS & RISK OF SUN EXPOSURE

VITAMIN C ON SUN-DAMAGED SKIN

A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR SUNSCREEN 

WHAT IS SUN EXPOSURE? 

The sun exposure gives off many rays of light that harm & help us. These rays are called UV rays. 

There are three different kinds of UV days

• UVA
• UVB
• UVC

The most common type of rays are UVA, then UVB at last UVC. 

Talking about the danger index UVC>UVB>UVA.

We are not at risk of UVC rays because the earth's ozone layer blocks these rays. 

Epidermis cells contain a pigment called melanin. People with light skin have less melanin than dark-skinned people. This is why very fair-skinned people burn easier. Melanin protects our skin and also creates vitamin D. When your body defends itself against UV rays, your skin tans or darkens.

Risk of exposure to the sun -

• Pre-cancerous and cancerous (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) skin lesions due to decreases in the skin's immune function.
• Fine and coarse wrinkles, Freckles.
• Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation
• Sallowness - a yellow discoloration of the skin
• Telangiectasias -the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin
• Elastosis -- the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue.
• Redness- skin will turn red due to an increase in blood flow. It can happen right away or over time. You might not know you are burnt until you go back inside.
• Hot skin or chills.
• Pain Itchy or tight skin.
• Blisters.
• Dehydrated skin and Peeling

In which way the sun is important for us

Some amount of UV rays is good for us. It helps to creates vitamin D, which absorbs calcium. Your body needs calcium to build and maintain healthy bones.
According to the WHO, UV rays can help treat some health conditions. Doctors might order it for people who have eczema, psoriasis, rickets, or jaundice. UV rays also can be used to sterilize.

Vitamin C for healing sun damage

Vitamin C limits the damage induced by sunlight exposure. The main point here is we are not using vitamin C as sunscreen because Vitamin C is not a “sunscreen” it does not absorb light in the UVA or UVB spectrum. Rather, the antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals.

vitamin C’s powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to fight free radical damage by neutralizing oxidative stress from UV-induced skin damage.

If you don't want to age faster or reverse sun damage you must include a good quality vitamin C in your skincare routine.

NEEMLI NATURALS VITAMIN C SERUM

First of all, it is free from animal derivatives, parabens, mineral oils or petroleum, sulfates, and fillers.

Cruelty-free.

It is non-comedogenic( doesn't clog your pores).

It contains 12% Vitamin C as 3-O- ethyl ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid form of vitamin C is one the most stable form, it is nonirritant and get absorbed easily.

Besides vitamin C is also contains Niacinamide -can help your skin grow a ceramide (lipid) barrier, which can, in turn, helps retain moisture. 

Hyaluronic Acid-  hydrating humectant, it also helps in improving acne-related problems.

Aloe Vera Leaf Extract- A deeply hydrating humectant, it also helps in improving acne-related problems.

Witch Hazel Extract-Enriched with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful in combating free radicals.

You must add Vitamin C to your skincare.

SUNSCREEN

Prevention is better than cure, you must protect your skin from sun damage in the first place.

Sunscreen is the only way to do that.

UV rays affect the deepest layer of your skin the DERMIS, it takes years before the damage is visible on the skin surface.

Photodamage causes pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, and freckles.

Sunscreen comes in 3 form

•Mineral based

•Organic filter-based

•Combination of both

Mineral-based

Mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide are small particles that sit on the skin’s surface and physically prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin.

They don't get absorbed into the skin, form a layer on the skin.

One thing people don't like about mineral sunscreen is that it leaves a white cast which doesn't look good.

Plus point about mineral-based sunscreen is people don't find it irritating or reactive to their skin.

Chemical-based or organic filters

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, allow UV light into the skin. Once the light is absorbed into the skin, the chemicals in the sunscreen (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate) create a chemical reaction in which UV light is converted to heat, and the heat dissipates from the skin.

The problem is that chemical sunscreen gets absorbed into the bloodstream so we must aware of the filters which are bad for our body because some of them can cause hormonal imbalances.

I can't mention these filters because these are not universally banned some of them are banned in one country but in another country, these filters are free to use, for example- Oxybenzone 

Approved in - US, Australia, and Europe

Banned in -Japan

I think more research should be done in this area, and it is up to you, choose a sunscreen don't believe anyone do your own research.

•Combination

It contains both organic filters or minerals.

You must wear sunscreen before going out to prevent sun damage.

Natural Spf 30+ Mattifying Sunscreen

First of all, it is free from animal derivatives, parabens, petroleum, sulfates, and fillers.

Cruelty-free.

It is non-comedogenic( doesn't clog your pores).

SPF 30+ Mattifying Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is a fast-absorbing, non pore blocking, water-resistant sun shield that provides safe, long-lasting protection from UVA and UVB rays. A light, non-irritating formula packed with protecting and moisturizing ingredients like liquorice extract and hyaluronic acid.

This mattifying sunscreen helps in zapping excess oil from the skin and removing dirt and grime while maintaining your skin’s pH levels and strengthening its natural barrier.

CONCLUSION

It depends on you, how you treat your skin and take care of it.

It is better to be aware in the first place instead of searching for a cure.

Wear a hat, full sleeves, small choice makes big difference.

Be happy.