Unlocking the Secrets of UV Aging & DNA Damage
Unlocking the Secrets of UV Aging & DNA Damage
Summer is almost here, and we can’t wait to spend time with friends and family enjoying the warmth of the sun! While days at the beach or picnics in the park are some of the most enjoyable summer activities, increased time exposed to the sun poses a risk to both your skin and your overall health. Luckily, we’ve got all the info you need to help you stay safe as you enjoy the sun.
What To Know
We’ve all been taught that prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays without proper protection isn’t safe, but what actually happens to your skin? You might get a sunburn, but there’s a lot more happening beneath the surface.
UV rays can actually change your skin in a process known as photoaging, which happens when UV light hits unprotected skin and damages the DNA in the deepest part of your skin cells (the dermis). While both UVA and UVB rays are bad news, UVB rays are more likely to cause DNA mutations. This radiation damage begins from your very first tan and accumulates over your lifetime.
This damage is not always immediately noticeable, but premature wrinkles and an aged appearance to the skin are the most obvious cosmetic signs of photoaging, along with brown spots, uneven texture, broken capillaries, and decreased skin elasticity. These skin conditions can start to appear as early as your teens or early twenties.
These outward marks are indicators of dangerous changes to your DNA as a result of UV radiation. Left untreated, this DNA damage can lead to skin cancer.
What To Do
The most important things you can do to prevent photoaging and DNA damage are protecting your skin and keeping an eye out for signs of prolonged UV light exposure.
Getting a tan may sound like a great way to spend an afternoon, but be careful of how much time you spend out in the sun. The glow of a summer tan looks healthy, but it’s exactly the opposite.
Tanning is actually the skin’s first line of defense as an indicator of the beginnings of DNA damage. When you start to see a change in your pigment, that’s how you know the UVA and UVB rays have begun to affect your skin’s health.
Your skin is your body’s armor, so take care of it! Avoid both indoor and outdoor tanning completely and always wear sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) whenever you plan a day outside.
SPF measures the time it takes for UVB rays to redden the skin – for example, SPF 15 means it takes 15x longer for rays to affect your skin than they would naturally. Our experts recommend applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher on any part of your body where the skin is showing before you go outdoors. Cloud cover won’t stop UV rays, so make sure to apply even when it’s not sunny. And once a day won’t cut it; reapply sunscreen every two hours for the strongest defense.
Not all sunscreens work the same way, and understanding the difference can help you choose the best option for your skin. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier that helps reflect UV rays away from the skin. One advantage of mineral sunscreen is that it begins protecting the skin immediately after application. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and convert them into heat before releasing them from the skin. Because they need time to absorb into the skin, chemical sunscreens should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and you should avoid entering the water during that time. Both types can provide effective protection when used correctly, but mineral formulas are often recommended for sensitive or post-procedure skin due to their gentle nature. One potential drawback of mineral sunscreens is that some formulas may leave a white cast on the skin, especially on darker skin tones. No matter which option you choose, daily SPF use is one of the best ways to protect against premature aging and long-term UV damage.
We Can Help
If your skin is in need of some repair from sun damage, then Bloom MedAesthetics has got your back, and the rest of your skin for that matter. Our team of medical professionals can provide a variety of skincare services to help restore your healthy glow. Chemical peels, microneedling, Bela MD, and an IPL photofacial are a few of our services that can improve hyperpigmentation, skin texture and tone. We also offer Obagi Medical Grade Sunscreens to protect your beautiful skin.