Author: Anne Wolski
Source: articleage.com

Anyone who continually exposes their skin to the harsh conditions of the sun is running the risk of skin damage known as sunburn. This condition can be quite painful and uncomfortable but, worse still, it can lead to the serious illness of skin cancer.
In recent years, because of the knowledge we now have about the damage to the ozone layer, many people have become more wary about this overexposure to the suns rays. The ozone layer which is the part of the earth’s atmosphere that protects the planet from ultraviolet radiation, has been damaged by the common usage of things such as synthetic pollutants. Consequently, these ultraviolet rays are now more dangerous than ever before.
Often, we do not feel the effects of sunburn until several hours after the damage is done. This is because sunburn is actually a radiation burn rather than a heat burn. These burns are caused by the ultraviolet rays from the sun. These rays can damage the skin through penetration without the person necessarily feeling that their skin is overheating.
The skin consists of an outer layer, the epidermis, and the bottom layer, the basal layer. It is the epidermis that suffers the effects of sunburn. This is the layer that contains the pigmentation cells which, when new cells appear as a result of the sun, is seen as a suntan. If there is not enough pigment filters, it results in sunburn.
Sunburn is an immediate type of sun damage but its effects may not show for several hours after exposure. Reddening of the skin and a burning feeling may take up to twenty four hours to occur. If the sunburn is severe, blisters may occur, causing damage to some of the cells in the epidermis.
Sun damage from repeated exposure are much like those of aging. The skin shows wrinkling and thickening of the skin. Lumps that look like warts can appear as well as dryness and cracking of the skin.
In modern times, the biggest concern to most sun-worshippers is that of skin cancer. Realistically, people who have often suffered from sunburn have a higher likelihood of contracting skin cancer than people who have never been sunburned. In areas where there is a lot of bright sunshine, such as Australia, the incidence of skin cancer is very high. In fact, Australia has the highest frequency of skin cancer in the world.
It is extremely important to be particularly vigilant where children are concerned. If a child is often exposed to sunburn, he or she is at a higher risk of contracting skin cancer when they become adults.
Once a person has been sunburned, the most important thing is to avoid exposure which will obviously cause more damage. Applying a soothing lotion can reduce the discomfort which will usually recede within a few days. Once the initial discomfort is reduced, the skin may peel. When the damage is severe, a steroidal lotion may be prescribed. These lotions reduce inflammation as well as the potency and duration of the sunburn.
There are a number of ways to protect the skin from sunburn. The most natural way is to gradually increase periods of time in the sun in order to build up a tan. The sun is also less intense when it is low such as morning and evening so it makes sense to enjoy the sun at these times rather than in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. Some people believe that they are safer when swimming but this is untrue. Although the water absorbs the heat, the ultraviolet rays are still directed on the skin.
Sunscreen should be applied frequently during exposure to the sun, and especially immediately before and after swimming. Some of the sunscreens available give virtually complete protection by stopping all ultraviolet rays, thus allowing prolonged time in the sun without resulting in damage.
Of course, not all effects of the sun are negative and exposure to sunlight is necessary for health. It is essential for vitamins C and D and creates a healthy glowing skin.
So, it is important to have some exposure to the health benefits of the sun but, like anything else, moderation is the key. Sensible exposure is a positive way of life but overexposure is nothing more than a recipe for disaster.
Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com an information portal with many interesting medical articles and also of http://www.pharmacybyweb.com which has online physicians who can help you with any questions you may have.

Author: Deepak Ghimirebr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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The most common skin problems in older people include wrinkles, brown and red discoloration, loss of tone, and crusted growth. All these are the result of years of direct exposure to the sun ultraviolet light. Exposing yourself to extreme heat or cold also contributes to these changes. The harmful effects of the ultraviolet sunlight can be seen by comparing the protected area of the skin with the part of the skin that is usually exposed to the sunlight. It will be apparent that the protected area age much lesser than exposed areas. Individuals that have darker skins tend to age lesser than individuals that has light complexions. This is because the skin pigments of individuals with darker complexions absorb most of the harmful ultraviolet rays. Severe sun exposure can take up to 30 years before it shows its symptoms on the skin therefore it is important to protect your skin from the sun when you are still young.

A long time ago, sunlight is needed to produce vitamin D in the skin. Today, vitamin D is available in pill forms. It is also produced synthetically in food such as milk and cheese. There is no longer any benefit that can derive from exposing your skin to sunlight.

The harm that an ultraviolet light does include changing the structure of the deep layers of the skin causes discolorations on skin and making it losing normal resiliency. Exposure to the dangerous ultraviolet sun ray will causes sagging, wrinkles, loss of normal support for the skin and the skin will also become frailer.

Scaly brown spot that are either flat or raised occurred because of the overgrowth of different type of skin cells. Red spots may be caused by the growth of superficial vessels in the skin and should not be a serious problem.

Besides the sunlight, other factors that can causes wrinkles include smoking, people with light skin, hereditary characteristic, hairstyle, and the place where you work. In order to prevent wrinkles, we must not smoke and minimize sun exposure.

To protect yourself from these skin problems, you must not risk your skin to excessive sun exposure. The ultraviolet ray from the sunlight is most damaging when it is in its peak hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Protective clothing and hats can be worn; effective sun screens can be applied on your skin to protect yourself from the damaging ultraviolet rays.

Sunscreen that has SPF numbers on their labels shows that they offer protection against UVB (ultraviolet light sunburn rays). UVA rays are the ones that you get in tanning salons. Although UVA rays are safer and do not cause immediate sunburn, it can cause skin damage and skin cancer if it is used over a period of time. Sun screens that block that UVA ray will include ingredients such as Parsol 1789, and Mexoryl. Sun screens that contain paraaminobenzonic (PABA) alcohol are most effective. Benzophenones are available in cream form if your skin is allergic to the alcohol containing sun screen solutions. Sunscreen that uses benzophenones is less effective and must be reapplied more frequently.

Vitamin A Acid (tretinotin) helps to treat wrinkles and fine lines. If application of creams containing tretinotin produce redness at first, the discomforts can be removed by applying less cream until your skin becomes used to it. Alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic and lactic acid. They do not cause skin irritation but will help to improve your skin wrinkle. Antioxidants vitamins such as the vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene provide mild improvement of fine wrinkles. Creams that do not contain any of the substance mentioned will not help to make your wrinkles disappear but only make it look less noticeable.

Our skin is more susceptible to wrinkles when we expose ourselves to the sun frequently. Damages that the sun brought include sagging, skin growths, and wrinkles. Wrinkles can be prevented by avoiding excessive sunlight exposure, and medical treatments such as taking vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene and using moisturizer.

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pIf you have any questions regarding a target=_new href=http://dermatalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18 rel=nofollowAnti Aging/a, Dont hesitate to ask us at: DermaTalk a target=_new href=http://www.dermatalk.com rel=nofollowSkin Care Advice/a Forum./pbr
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