Sun damage occurs from overexposure to damaging ultraviolet (UVA and UVB rays) light, which can cause tanning or if overexposed will result in ‘Age Spots’, ‘Sun Spots’, ‘Hyperpigmentation’ or ‘Sunburn’. Sunburn (sun damage) is the result of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation where the skin tissue is literally ‘burnt’, with red skin that is hot to the touch and you may feel tired and slightly dizzy. Sunburn damage can be life threatening and is a major cause of skin cancer.
Many skincare companies have paid great attention to the issue of sun damage as it affects all skin types and ages. Sun damage is increasing in areas where the ozone layer has been depleted and is likely to be cumulatively more damaging as we get older. The skin is exposed to the environment, the sun’s ultraviolet rays and damaging free radicals. These break down the skin’s protective barrier and damage normal skin function. Sun damage is not linked to race, age or gender as sun damage can occur to all people but in varying degrees.
Skincare products concentrate on restoring normal skin function and try to redress the damaging effects of the sun. Ingredients thought to counteract the effects of sun damage (and other environmental stressors) include antioxidants Vitamins A, C, E and K, together with botanical nutrients such as Extract of Green Tea etc.
Sunburn damage is treated with products containing healing, soothing ingredients; botanical Aloe Vera or antioxidant Vitamin E, or a combination of both. Sun damage from sunburn can be easily avoided by applying broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection particularly good ones include long-lasting Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone), proven to retain its skin filtering benefits even longer than other skin filters.
Bright sunlight is a major contributor to sun damage to the eyes. Looking directly into the sun with the naked eye can cause pain and long-term damage. The retina becomes slightly heated when sunlight reaches the eye and potentially causes permanent damage. Many ophthalmologists and opticians now recommend that you wear sunglasses every time you are in the sun.
