Is sunscreen part of your skin care regimen? If the answer is no, that should probably change today. Everyone’s skin doesn’t necessarily burn if they don’t use sunscreen. Some people can spend a full day in the sun and never have to deal with the brutal reality of sunburn. But the even harsher reality of skipping sunscreen could eventually catch up with you. It may not seem like it, but skipping sunscreen is much more harmful than most think. Look at the things that happen to your skin when you skip sunscreen.
Tanned skin
This is obvious, but some people don’t realize how quickly their skin tans, and the more you tan, the more direct impact it will have on your skin’s health at the same time. The skin begins to show the “tan” appearance when the melanocyte cells in the epidermis layer of the skin begin to produce a darker tone.
Leather feel
As said, the melanocyte cells in the epidermis layer of the skin are what give the appearance of a tan. The lower level of the epidermis also acts as a protector against UV exposure. So, as you tan, the top layer of the epidermis begins to thicken as the lower level pushes cells up, like cells defending themselves like armor, in a sense. So, as your skin darkens, you are making your skin tougher, literally. This is why some people who tan regularly begin to have a leathery type of skin, both in feel and appearance.
Tanned
We all know that it is quite common for many people to experience sunburn while tanning. If you have the type of skin that burns easily in the sun, then it’s basically a guarantee that you will experience skin damage with every red patch of skin. Most of the time, sunburns are mild and will heal in a few days to a week. But if you get a really bad case of sunburn, you could get second-degree burns. If this is the case, your skin may burn even below the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Your dermis level may be severely damaged and the skin may begin to blister and scab, and even appear moist. If your sunburn is this drastic, healing could take several weeks.
More moles and freckles
Although we all have moles naturally, some skin tones are more prone to developing a greater number of moles or freckles as a result of overexposure to the sun. This happens when the melanocyte cells begin to clump together. Light-skinned people are more susceptible to developing moles from sunbathing, which can be dangerous if those moles become abnormal.
Premature aging
One of the most obvious consequences of not protecting your skin while exposed to the sun is premature aging. Constantly leaving your skin under the heated microscope of the sun’s rays for an extended number of years will definitely add more years to the appearance of your skin. Sunscreen is said to be one of the best anti-aging tools you need in your arsenal.
Wrinkles and dark spots
Going years without using sunscreen will change the texture and feel of your skin in many ways. Over time, fine lines and major wrinkles may begin to appear. You may experience dark spots or discoloration in different areas of your skin.
Possible skin disease
Unfortunately, after prolonged exposure to the sun and dangerous ultraviolet rays, skin diseases are very likely to develop. Carcinoma and melenoma are types of skin cancer that can develop due to damage to the skin from overexposure to the sun. This is another reason why using sunscreen is so important: it really can save lives.