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Sun exposed skin damaged from ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) accounts for 90% of the symptoms associated with photoaging. Photoaging refers to damage that is done to the skin from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Most of the skin changes that occur as we get older are accelerated by sun exposure.
The sun’s heat dehydrates areas of unprotected skin and depletes the skin’s supply of natural lubricating oils. Therefore, overexposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin to become dry, thin, and wrinkled. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer and a host of other cellular skin changes caused by free radical damage.
UV Skin Damage in a Different Light
UV radiation is one of the major creators of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron (making them unstable) instead of two. This process can damage cell function and alter genetic material. Antioxidants are known to be free radical scavengers that can help reduce damage caused by ultraviolet light.
