6 Risks of Not Wearing Sunscreen
Are you brave enough to stay out in the sun without sunscreen?
While the summer months are great fun, the sun’s UV rays pose quite a problem. Without sunscreen, it’s not just your skin that is at risk.
So, what are the risks of going out in the sun without sunscreen? Are there any hidden dangers?
Read on to know about the 6 effects of not wearing sunscreen.
1. Darkening Of Skin
When applied properly, sunscreen can prevent the darkening of the skin. It can do this by creating a barrier between the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and the skin.
UV rays are the main cause of hyperpigmentation, which is the overproduction of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a dark pigment that gives skin its color.
When the skin gets exposed to UV rays, it triggers the release of more melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. This can result in the skin becoming darker or “tanned.”
Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can block out 97% of the sun’s UV rays. This in turn, prevents the darkening of the skin.
2. Premature Aging
Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature aging. When skin gets exposed to the sun, ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the skin’s elastin and collagen fibers.
This damage leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The sun can also cause age spots and other pigment changes. All of these changes can be accelerated by exposure to UV rays.
Sunscreen combats premature aging by blocking out UV rays. As mentioned earlier, UV rays can damage our skin to the point that we experience premature aging.
Also, wearing sunscreen every day helps keep the skin hydrated. As you might already know, hydration is essential in preventing premature aging.
3. Sunburns
Wearing sunscreen is important because it helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays. UV rays can cause sunburn and other skin problems.
Sunburn is a type of skin damage that happens when your skin is exposed to too much UV radiation from the sun. Sunburn can cause your skin to become red, swollen, and painful.
There are a few scientific explanations for why sunburns hurt so much. One is that when the skin is exposed to UV rays, it undergoes a process called erythema.
This causes the dilation of blood vessels. This can cause inflammation and swelling, which is why the area feels hot to the touch.
Also, the skin’s nerve endings are sensitive to heat and pain, which is why the pain is so intense. When the skin is damaged by sunburn, it loses its ability to protect the body against further damage, which can lead to infection.
If you get a sunburn, it is important to treat it immediately. If you wait too long, sunburn can become a more serious issue. You can go online for more on sun damaged skin treatment.
To treat a sunburn, you can take a cool shower or bath, use a cool compress, or apply a moisturizing lotion. You should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid exposure to the sun.
If you have blisters, you should not pop them. If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain medication.
4. Skin Cancer
There are several risks associated with not wearing sunscreen, the most significant of which is skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. Even if you don’t burn easily or spend a lot of time in the sun, you are still at risk for skin cancer if you don’t wear sunscreen.
There is a clear link between skin cancer and sunscreen. Those who regularly use sunscreen are significantly less likely to develop skin cancer.
This is likely because sunscreen shields the skin from harmful UV rays. Too much exposure to UV rays can result in skin cancer.
Given the clear link between sunscreen and skin cancer prevention, everyone needs to use sunscreen regularly, especially when spending time outdoors. By doing so, you can ensure that you’ll be reaping the benefits of wearing sunscreen in combatting skin cancer.
5. Broken Blood Vessels
Most people know that they should be wearing sunscreen when they are going to be spending time outdoors. But many don’t realize that not wearing sunscreen can cause broken blood vessels.
When the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, it can damage the blood vessels and cause them to break. This can lead to several problems. So it’s important to always wear sunscreen, even if you don’t think you’ll be spending much time in the sun.
While most broken blood vessels are harmless, they can sometimes lead to serious complications. Examples are bleeding, infection, or scarring. If you have broken blood vessels on your skin, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions.
There are several treatments available to reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels. These include laser therapy, topical creams, and surgery.
6. Weaker Immune System
Not wearing sunscreen can cause a weaker immune system. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin and lead to cell mutations.
These mutations can cause the immune system to overreact and produce antibodies that attack healthy cells. This in turn, will lead to a weaker immune system.
A weakened immune system can have many consequences. It can lead to getting sick more often, as well as more severe and/or longer-lasting illnesses.
Aside from this, it can also make it harder to recover from injury or surgery. A weakened immune system can cause problems for people with autoimmune disorders. This is also true for those who have had organ transplants.
Avoiding the Effects of Not Wearing Sunscreen
The long-term effects of not wearing sunscreen can be very dangerous. It is important to always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days or when you are not going to be in the sun for very long.
Try to find a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and that you are comfortable wearing. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your scalp, ears, and lips. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
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