Can the sun be harmful?
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Summer is here! Time for attending pool parties, going to parks, and hanging with friends! Sunny days are bright, fun, and the perfect time to go outside. Unfortunately, sunny days aren't always a good thing, and sometimes, the sun can be a bad thing. The sun does a lot more than making the Earth warm and bright: sometimes it does things that can harm you.
Sunburn is the most common negative effect from the sun. The sun emits ultra-violet rays that get absorbed by the skin. When too much is absorbed or if the skin is exposed for too long, then the skin cells get damaged and their DNA changes. Redness, flakiness, heat, and pain are common effects from sunburn. Sun protection, including sunscreen, can help prevent sunburn and different lotions or treatments can help reduce the effects.
However, we all know about sunburn and how sunscreen can help, but what else can the sun do to our skin?
The sun can also cause skin cancer. As the UV damages your skin cells, the body's natural repair system is damaged and cancerous cells mutate. There are different types, including Melanoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma. Symptoms can include unusual bumps, itchiness, bleeding, flaking, immense pain on your skin, and, in severe cases, it can lead to death. Thankfully, skin cancer can be cured, especially with early detection. If you notice any new brown or red bumps, make sure to ask your doctor about it! The most useful thing is to keep protecting your skin: wearing sunscreen, hats, lotion, and breathable clothing can help prevent skin cancer!
Sun damage can also cause premature or increased aging. The sun can penetrate into deeper layers of skin, including the dermis, and damage it. When this happens, collagen and fibers in your skin start degrading. This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging at a faster rate. Melanin, or the natural pigment of your skin, can be overproduced to compensate for the damage. This can lead to patches, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Aging is a normal process, but without proper sun protection, it can occur earlier in life. It can also indicate poor skin health and skin damage.
So, can the sun harm you? Yes, it can damage your skin and lead to various negative side effects. However, most of these problems can be prevented with proper sun protection, including sunscreen and making sure to reapply it throughout the day. Even if you get sunburn or skin cancer, it can be cured with products or the help of a doctor! This article isn't trying to make you scared of the sun, or discourage you from going outside; it's meant to inform you. Now that you're aware of how the sun can be harmful, you can make more conscious efforts to effectively protect yourself from it!
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