Table of contents:
- Benefits of sunshine for skin
- Danger of excess sun exposure on the skin
- 1. Skin burns
- 2. Show signs of aging
- 3. Increase the risk of skin cancer
- Tips for preventing and overcoming the dangers of the sun
- 1. Use sunscreen
- 2. Wear closed clothes
- 3. Using a special moisturizer or cream
Sun exposure does not only have benefits, but there are also dangers it can cause. For those of you who are often outdoors, it is very important to know the various benefits and dangers of excessive sun exposure for the skin. That way, you know the limits, how to prevent the dangers, and also how to overcome them.
Benefits of sunshine for skin
Sunlight is not only warm but also beneficial for the health of your skin. Exposure to sunlight in the morning triggers chemical and metabolic reactions in the body to produce vitamin D. This vitamin is not only good for keeping bones strong but also good for skin health.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), sun exposure helps treat various skin problems such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, and fungal infections. How did it happen? This is because vitamin D that is produced from sun exposure has a wide range of uses.
Vitamin D has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. That way, getting enough sun exposure every day can alleviate various skin problems such as acne and psoriasis. Sunlight before 9.00am is especially good for the health of your skin. It is enough to sunbathe for about 15 minutes every morning to get the benefits.
Danger of excess sun exposure on the skin
Apart from having benefits, sunlight is also at risk of causing various skin problems, especially due to excessive exposure, such as:
1. Skin burns
Excessive sun exposure can cause the skin to develop a condition called a skin condition sunburn or catch fire. Usually this condition is caused because you have experienced direct sunburn for a long time.
The skin will show signs of burning after four to five hours after sun exposure. When experiencing sunburn bUsually you will experience various symptoms such as skin redness, pain, swelling, blisters, and crusts.
2. Show signs of aging
Excessive sun exposure usually causes your skin to experience various changes from color to texture. Because, over time, UV rays can damage the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers are damaged, the skin loosens and stretches.
Not only that, excessive UV exposure also causes the skin to experience white and dark spots. In addition, you will also experience skin that is rougher than usual and also dries out. When it's too dry, your skin wrinkles easily, which makes you look older than your actual age.
3. Increase the risk of skin cancer
UVB rays in sunlight besides causing sunburn can also damage DNA and suppress the skin's immune system. Meanwhile, UVA rays can penetrate and damage skin cell membranes and the DNA in them.
The damage that develops over the years coupled with age increases your risk of developing skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Tips for preventing and overcoming the dangers of the sun
To prevent the dangers of the sun's rays on your skin, here are various ways you can do before leaving the house plus how to deal with it if it is already affected, such as:
1. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is a mandatory item that you need to wear when leaving the house. Especially if you are active outside every day. Sunscreen helps to absorb ultraviolet rays that enter the skin so that it can minimize its effect.
In addition, you also need to repeat the use every two hours, especially if you continue to sweat. Not only that, it's good to avoid going out at 10 am to 3 pm because at this hour the ultraviolet rays that damage the skin are very strong.
2. Wear closed clothes
Try to wear a variety of clothing that covers your skin, such as pants and long sleeves. You can also wear a hat with a wide brim to help protect yourself from the dangers of the sun.
3. Using a special moisturizer or cream
When the skin has experienced various adverse effects from the sun such as burning or signs of aging, you can apply a variety of special moisturizers or creams specifically intended to regenerate the skin. The goal is that skin damaged by the sun can heal faster and avoid further damage.
It's good to use a cream containing Centella asiatica or gotu kola leaves. This one plant has been proven to be effective in overcoming various skin problems and relieving irritation. This plant is also able to repair the outer layer of skin by replacing it with new, healthier skin.
In fact, research published in the Journal of Aryuveda and Integrative Medicine, states that this plant can increase collagen production in the body. That way, skin problems related to aging can be resolved and sagging skin can come back taut and elastic.