How does sun exposure affect the skin over time?

Sun exposure has a profound impact on the skin, particularly when considering its long-term effects. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the skin and causes various types of damage. Over time, this exposure can result in premature aging, characterized by wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sagging skin due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers.

Moreover, chronic sun exposure also leads to hyperpigmentation, where certain areas of the skin darken, forming sunspots or age spots. This change is due to increased melanin production as the skin attempts to protect itself from further UV damage. In the most severe cases, long-term sun exposure significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, as the radiation can cause mutations in skin cells.

Understanding these effects underscores the importance of sun protection measures such as the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours. Such actions help mitigate the adverse consequences that can arise from prolonged and unprotected exposure to sunlight.