Sun damage describes premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays that cause sun damaged skin: UVA and UVB.

UVA are longer-wave rays that activate the skin in an unhealthy way and will give you a tan. These rays are not responsible for sunburns. They penetrate the skin deeper than UVB rays and trigger premature aging and skin cancer. UVB, on the other hand, are shorter-wave rays that are responsible for sunburns, but they can also accelerate early signs of aging. UVB rays are considered the most common cause of skin cancers.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUN DAMAGE ​

​

Sun damage hurts the skin’s ability to maintain essential components, such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, ceramides and important fatty acids. All of these components keep our skin looking youthful and healthy.

In addition to potentially life-threatening skin cancer, the long-term consequences of unprotected sun exposure includes wrinkles and fine lines, brown spots and dull, congested skin. UVA sun damage can be sneaky; often you won’t feel any pain or discomfort from it, but your skin is being damaged nonetheless. As time passes, skin abnormalities can become more pronounced and you run the risk of skin cancer.