Is sunscreen part of your skin care regimen? If the answer is no, that should probably change today. Everyone’s skin doesn’t necessarily burn if they don’t use sunscreen.
Some people can spend a full day in the sun and never have to deal with the brutal reality of sunburn. But the even harsher reality of not wearing sunscreen could eventually catch up with you.
It may not seem like it, but not wearing sunscreen is much more damaging than most think. Take note of the things that happen to your skin when you don’t use sunscreen.
Here’s a list of them below:
1. Tanned skin
This one is obvious, but some people don’t realize how quickly the skin tans, and the more you tans, the more it directly affects skin health at the same time. The skin begins to show the appearance of “tan” when the melanocyte cells in the epidermis layer of your skin begin to produce a darker tone.
2. Leather feel
As previously stated, the melanocyte cells in the epidermis layer of the skin is what gives the appearance of a tan. The lower level of the epidermis also acts as a protector against UV exposure. So as you tan, the top layer of the epidermis starts to thicken as the bottom layer pushes the cells up, like cells coming to the defense like armor, in a sense. So as your skin darkens, you are making your skin tougher, literally. This is why some people who tan regularly begin to have a tanned skin type, both in touch and in appearance.
3. Sun burn
If you have the type of skin that burns easily in the sun, then it is basically a guarantee that you are experiencing skin damage with every red spot on it. Most of the time, sunburns are mild and will heal in a few days to a week. But if you have a really nasty case of sunburn, you could actually get second degree burns. If this is the case, your skin can burn even under the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. The level of the dermis can be severely damaged and the skin can begin to blister and crust over, and even appear moist. If your sunburn is this drastic, it could take several weeks to heal.
4. More moles and freckles
Although we all have moles naturally, some skin tones are more likely to develop more moles or freckles as a result of overexposure to the sun. This happens when the melanocyte cells begin to clump together. Fair-skinned people are more susceptible to developing moles when sunbathing, which can be dangerous if those moles become abnormal.
5. Premature aging
One of the most obvious consequences of not protecting your skin while baking in the sun is premature aging. Keeping your skin constantly heated by the sun’s rays under the microscope for an extended number of years will definitely add more years to the appearance of your skin. Sunscreen is said to be one of the best anti-aging tools you need in your arsenal.
6. Wrinkles and dark spots
Going years without sunscreen will change the entire texture and feel of your skin in many ways. Over time, significant fine lines and wrinkles may begin to develop. Potentially, you could experience dark spots or discoloration in different areas of your skin.
7. Potential skin disease
Unfortunately, after prolonged exposure to the sun and dangerous UV rays, it is very possible for skin diseases to develop as a result. Carcinoma and melanoma are types of skin cancer that can develop due to skin damage from overexposure to the sun. This is another reason why wearing sunscreen is so important – it can really save lives.
