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Overexposure to the sun can not only cause wrinkles, but numerous other problems. How wrinkles are formed and what can be done about them will be discussed.
Although some sun is beneficial in treating certain skin diseases and providing us with a source for vitamin D, overexposure is something to avoid. The American Academy of Dermatology(AAD) links sun overexposure to wrinkle formation. Besides wrinkles, overexposure can cause rashes, cancer and numerous other skin problems. The raysSunlight is composed of visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays are known as ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays. UVA or ultraviolet A rays, penetrate deeper and are thought to cause many of the aging related problems with the skin. The second UV type, UVB or ultraviolet B rays are thought to be the cause of most skin problems and cancers. UV rays vary in intensity depending on geographical location and time of year. People get more UV exposure during summer months, due to the increase in heat and light. Those who live near the equator and live at higher altitudes, get more exposure and areas near water, snow and sand can reflect the sun’s harmful rays, causing skin damage. This is one reason why skiers, in winter, are prone to sunburn. Even clouds can’t stop UV radiation completely. The AAD estimates that people are exposed to fifty percent of the UV rays on overcast days. WrinklesSunlight will damage collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein necessary for healthy skin and bones. As the collagen is removed, elastin, a fibrous protein, accumulates. The elastin triggers the release of an enzyme called metalloproteinases. These enzymes break down the collagen, which result in imperfect collagen fiber formation. As the process is repeated, wrinkles will slowly start to appear. Wrinkles also form when free radicals enter our body. Free radicals can come to us via UV light exposure, as well as, smoking and chemical exposure. A free radical is a substance that possesses only one electron, instead of the normal two. Since electrons come in pairs, the free radical will actively try to replace its missing electron, by removing it from another molecule in our body. This can result in cell damage, ranging from cancer to metalloproteinase production and collagen breakdown. Good riddance!Wrinkles can be dealt with in a variety of ways, once they’ve formed. One popular way is to inject Botox. Botox contains the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. This is a neurotoxin, which attaches itself to the end of muscular nerve endings and acetylcholine (ACH) receptors, preventing the nerve from firing. It helps wrinkles by preventing the muscles around wrinkles to contract and reduces the muscle tension around them, smoothing them out. In addition, muscle paralyses can occur preventing new wrinkles from forming. Other procedures to help reduce or eliminate wrinkles are dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, facelifts and chemical peels. All of these are also performed by plastic surgeons. Naturally, there are ways to reduce wrinkle formation. Reducing the amount spent in the sun is good advice. Drinking plenty of water hydrates the skin softens the wrinkles around the face. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids also helps in alleviating wrinkles. Finally using creams with Alpha Hydroxy Acids can penetrate and rejuvenate the skin. In summary there is no good or safe UV light. Ultraviolet radiation exposure will cause skin to wrinkle and cause other serious maladies. The best line of defense is to limit exposure to the sun. If wrinkles form, numerous procedures can be done to eliminate or lessen the problem. ReferencesThe Sun and Your Skin, American Academy of Dermatology
The copyright of the article Wrinkles in Skin Disease is owned by Cyrus Dehkan. Permission to republish Wrinkles in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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