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The Harmful Effects of Excessive Sun Exposure
Everyone knows that the sun is a great way to get some Vitamin C and that pretty tanned skin that is popular with all age groups. However, more and more studies are showing that overexposure to the sun is actually causing more damage than good to your skin. Doctors are recommending that people wear a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF if they are going to be out in the sun, even for just a few minutes, to avoid the harmful and dangerous effects of overexposure. Just how harmful is the sun and what kind of damage can it do to the skin? Check out the list below:
1. Elastosis
Elastosis is the the breakdown of collagen and the elasticity of the skin. This causes the skin to wrinkle and produce lines, along with developing saggy areas. Once elastosis sets in on the skin, it is nearly impossible to treat or reverse.
2. Telangiectasia
Telangiectasia (also known as angioectasia, varicose veins, or spider veins) occurs when the blood vessels under the skin become dilated. Excessive sun exposure is one of the primary causes of spider veins. These unsightly veins are permanent in most cases, and only get worse over time, although laser treatments have recently shown effective in reducing the appearance of these spider veins.
3. Mottled Pigmentation
Skin becomes discolored and patchy-looking after overexposure to the sun, resulting in mottled pigmentation, more commonly known as sun spots. These spots are usually brown colored, and come in large patches all over the skin. Smaller patches of mottled pigmentation take on a freckled appearance.
4. Sunburn and Sallowness
The most common effect of excessive sun exposure is of course, sunburn. The skin becomes inflamed when in the sun for too long, which leads to painful reddening of the skin, blisters, peeling, and even some forms of skin cancer. When the sunburn heals, it leaves the skin a few shades darker, but that tan can lead to permanent sallowness, or yellowing of the skin.
5. Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning refers to the most serious and severe cases of sunburn, not actual poisoning. Along with burned skin comes swelling, headaches, dizziness, dehydration, in some cases people have reported fainting and having to be hospitalized. Many people with sun poisoning report prolonged effecst, such as constant headaches when out in the sun or automatic reddening of the exposed areas of the skin to the sun, even years after the sun poisoning occurred.
Mint Spa offers many services that can help repair the skin and give it a more youthful, glowing appearance. Try a facial to soften and restore skin (available for the back and shoulders as well as the face.) Radiancy’s MicroPhotoTherapy Pulsed Light clears pigmentation and gives the skin a boost in collagen. A professional chemical peel treats the fine lines and wrinkles from excessive sun exposure, or skip the fun in the sun in favor of a spray tan, to get that sun-kissed skin without the risk of harmful sun-related skin conditions. Make an appointment with Mint Spa today!
