Surprising Signs of Sun-Damaged Skin

Flawless skin is one of the basic requirements of skincare. However, regular sun exposure, pollution, lack of proper skincare, and several other factors cause significant skin damage, making it dull and dry. But among all the causes responsible for skin damage, sun exposure is one of the most significant.

A skin damaged by the sun's rays looks older than it actually is, further making it appear dry, pigmented, and damaged. But the surprising factor is that there is a lack of awareness about the possible signs indicating sun-damaged skin. In this blog, we are about to delve deeper into the common yet most overlooked signs of sun-damaged skin.  

Symptoms Your Skin Has Suffered from Sun Damage

You can never be too late to start skincare. Our hectic schedule, lack of proper eating, and an unhealthy lifestyle lead to significant skin damage. Although the damage takes years to become visible on the skin, it does not go away easily. So, it is advisable to identify the damage as early as possible and try to prevent it.

In this section, we are about to provide you with some signs of sun-damaged skin to guide you further in your skincare journey.    

1. Wrinkles

Wrinkles are often considered to be common aging signs. But most of the wrinkles are caused by severe sun damage. These are visible due to the years of sun exposure and significant destruction of elastin and collagen. These two proteins are responsible for making the skin soft, resilient, and firm, further giving a younger appearance. But due to extreme sun exposure, the collagen and elastin are destroyed, resulting in wrinkles. Additionally, only the exposed skin tends to have wrinkles. So, focus on going through a proper skincare routine to protect your skin from sun damage.

2. Brown Spots

One of the most common signs of sun damage is brown spots or freckles. Most people confuse the spots with birthmarks, but these are the most prominent signs of significant skin damage. Popularly referred to as ‘ephelides’ or ‘solar lentigos’ by dermatologists, these brown spots are different from birthmarks or any age-related skin damage.

3. Enlarged Blood Vessels

Have you ever noticed some red veins in some parts of your body? These spidery veins, which are usually visible on the cheeks, nose, chest area, and several other parts of our body, are caused by excessive sun damage.

When the blood vessels are enlarged, they are not able to function properly (pumping the blood from one part of the body to the next). The elastin fibers, which are responsible for holding the blood vessels taut, are broken down by the sun’s UV rays. Consequently, they cannot support the vessels, further making them unable to hold them tightly. These large blood vessels are visible on various parts of the human body, including the chest, nose, and many more.

4. Melasma

Melasma refers to the dark patches on the skin, which are especially visible on the cheekbones. Hormonal changes or imbalance are often considered to be one of the key factors of melasma. In fact, the presence of estrogen is believed to be an essential factor influencing melasma. But this particular skin condition is primarily caused by excessive and regular sun exposure. You can try to prevent this skin condition by using a protective mask on the face. But the sun-damaged skin treatment is often directly linked to applying an effective sunscreen. It is advisable to take the required precautions whenever you step out in the sun to prevent getting sun-damaged skin.

5. Atypical Moles

    Atypical moles are very common and are not a matter of concern. But if you see any changes in the moles, consider them as potential signs of sun damage. If the mole grows with time and has an uneven surface or an irregular border, then it can be a sign of sun damage. Additionally, the atypical moles can change colors, bleed, become darker with time, and feel itchy due to regular sun exposure. If you have been experiencing any of those signs, it is advisable to consult a healthcare specialist.     

6. Age-related Spots

Age spots are also popularly known as liver spots or lentigines, which have a significant similarity with extra-large freckles. Although these spots are referred to as signs of aging, they are nothing but spots resulting from extreme sun exposure. The lentigines or the tan areas are usually colorless and are as big as a quarter. But with age, the spots turn brown, transforming into visible age spots. If you observe any changes in the texture, more than one color in the spot, an enhanced surface, a darker color, or anything else, consult a doctor for better skincare advice.  

7. Sunburn

One of the most common effects of sun-damaged skin is sunburn. Most individuals who are exposed to extreme sun rays experience this skin condition, leading to skin redness. The UVB rays severely damage the skin cells’ DNA, increasing the potential risk of developing skin cancer.

The sun’s rays make the skin underneath inflamed, affecting the same in multiple ways. You can consider using some skin-soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera or green tea, to calm your skin. It is also advisable to use a proper sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and redness.

Human skin gets damaged by the sun more than by any other external factors. Most individuals opt for various treatments and over-the-counter products to stay protected from sun damage. However, we can notice a significant skin degeneration with excessive sun exposure, causing multiple skin-related issues in the future. So, read this blog to know about the possible signs of sun-damaged skin and opt for a required skincare routine to stay hydrated. This guide will help you to spot the signs at the initial stage, further assisting you in getting the glowing skin you want.