Sun Damage and Other Physical Signs of Aging
Some of us may think our skin is there just to contain the rest of our body and keep the rain off it, but skin is really important. It gives us our looks to a certain degree and protects us from infection. Skin helps us to sweat, keeping us cool in hot weather. The sensation of pain when our skin is injured alerts us the danger so that we can take care of it, or remove ourselves from it.
Skin has three layers. The outer layer which is indeed a protection from the rain and pollutants in the atmosphere; the middle layer or dermis, that contains pores, blood vessels, collagen and elastin fibers that gives structure and flexibility. And the inner layer or hypodermis that is responsible for storing the fat layer – everyone needs a certain amount of fat.
It seems that the middle layer is the one that does the most work. When the dermis is damaged by excessive exposure to sun – and yes, it is the middle layer that is damaged – UV rays from the sun reach deep down into the collagen and elastin, break it down and prevent it from reproducing. That is why people who tanned deeply when young will have loads more wrinkles as they age, than someone who kept their skin protected from the sun. That’s why those people who live in cold countries where they must remain rugged up have smoother, young looking skin even when they are older.
If, as you get older, you notice that the pores of your skin seem to be getting larger, then this is also due to the damage sustained by the sun when you were younger. It is also a genetic problem, but as the sun damages the edges of the pores and you lose elasticity, then the pores become enlarged. This can be largely prevented by the use of a good sunscreen when you are out in the sun.
Sun damage to hands can occur whilst driving as the sun beats down onto the steering wheel of your car. You can wear cotton gloves to prevent this, or keep a sunscreen handy to apply before you start off. Other sun damage can cause brown spots and freckles to appear on arms and hands, or any part of the skin that is regularly exposed to the sun.
Most of us have heard of the dangers of melanoma caused by too much sunlight on the skin. If you have any suspicious looking spot on your skin, always get it checked out by a doctor.
