Reason 1. As much as 90-95 percent of what we consider "inevitable aging" (fine lines, uneven pigmentation, etc) is actually sun damage. Most damage occurs before the age of 10, and at least 80 percent of it takes place before the age of 18. However, it can take up to 30 years for this damage to finally become evident.
Reason 2. Rosacea is a skin disease of vassal motor instability that is primarily characterised by persistent facial redness and enlarged capillaries known as telangiectasia. While the specific cause of rosacea is unknown, it has been established that one of the primary causative factors is sun exposure.
Reason 3. If you thought cataracts were an aspect of growing old, think again. While there are a number of conditions that can contribute to, or cause cataracts, cumulative sun exposure is a major causative or exacerbating factor in age-related cataracts.
Reason 4. In some cases, skin cancer can be easily and superficially removed. But in many instances, they can substantially reach beyond the superficial borders, necessitating invasive and disfiguring surgical removal. The risk for developing these types of skin cancers increases after years of cumulative sun exposure.
Reason 5. While skin cancer is one of the worst villains, actinic keratosis, or precancerous lesions, is also harmful. Actinic keratosis may appear as unsightly reddish or yellowish brown spots, and may be raised or scaly in texture. Because these lesions are a precursor to skin cancer, they necessitate aggressive treatment.
Reason 6. Solar lentigines are brown-pigmented areas that can be found on the face, hands and other areas that are exposed to the sun. They are commonly referred to as age spots or liver spots. Usually, solar lentigines appear post sunburn, or in older people who have experienced years of chronic sun exposure. They can be prevented by simply wearing sunscreen.
Reason 7. A common misconception is that the sun assists in clearing up acne. Because sun exposure hardens the outer layers of the skin, eruptions may be temporarily suppressed. However, sun exposure stimulates greater oil production, which in turn, provides more fuel for bacteria. When an individual lessens the time spent sunbathing, they may experience a major acne flare-up. As the outer layer of skin softens, the retentive material rapidly surfaces, resulting in a worsening of the condition.
Reason 8. Oftentimes, unsightly discolorations are left behind once an acne lesion clears up. Referred to as flat macular pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, these marks are difficult to resolve, and sun exposure makes them darker and more resistant to treatment.
Reason 9. Cumulative sun exposure can cause hair to become dull looking and brittle to the touch. The sun also ages hair by removing its colour. Like skin, lighter coloured hair with less colour pigment is more vulnerable than darker hair with more pigment. Hair products with UV protecting agents are beneficial, but it's even better to wear a hat.
Reason 10. Most indoor tanning sources emit as much as 95 percent of UVA rays (as opposed to UVB rays). UVA radiation penetrates more deeply into the skin, and the remaining light is UVB, which affects the uppermost layers of skin and is often associated with sunburn. Because there is less superficial burning with tanning beds, there is a false sense that indoor tanning is less harmful.
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