by Dr . Charlene DeHaven
Photoaging , aging related to sun exposure , is responsible for about 85 % of skin aging in the areas of the body exposed to sunlight .
PHOTOAGING
Photoaging , aging related to sun exposure , is responsible for about 85 % of skin aging in the areas of the body exposed to sunlight . The remaining 15 % of skin aging originates from extra free radicals created during normal cellular metabolism and such other sources as pollution . Pollution exposure and sun exposure potentiate each other when they occur at the same time , and their combined damage is much more severe .
The visible signs of photoaging include wrinkles , skin sagging , hyperpigmentation , inversion of the midface triangle , development of skin cancers , and an abnormal sallow color . These are all related to free radical damage from sunlight as well as collagen destruction . The sallow color of aging skin is related to a decline in the efficiency of cellular metabolism within the skin cell . Every structural component within the skin is damaged over many years of ongoing solar exposure .
Microscopic changes seen with photoaging include recurrent and persistent inflammation , glycation and collagen destruction , elastosis , decreased immunity , and decreased cellular metabolism .
DAMAGE FROM THROUGHOUT THE SOLAR SPECTRUM
The solar spectrum consists of categories of energy waves contained in solar radiation . Humans are able to see the visible spectrum of visible red light on through to violet . Within the visible spectrum is the band of blue light associated with device exposure ( cell phones , laptops , television screens ). Beyond red light is infrared energy , which we cannot see but which we experience as heat and which can also harm the skin . Ultraviolet radiation is beyond visible violet and contains the UVA and UVB rays that , although invisible to us , are very damaging to our skin . Many birds are able to see ultraviolet light . Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure . There are many other energy waves coming from the sun that we usually do not think about , including microwaves , radio waves , and others .
PROTECTING THE SKIN FROM SOLAR EXPOSURE
Considering the extent to which sun exposure causes visible and microscopic skin aging , it is very wise to protect the skin as much as possible from absorbing this energy . Furthermore , at least to some extent , all solar rays penetrate clouds and some wavelengths , such as UVA , are easily able to penetrate clouds and windows .
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