Summer begins and we expose ourselves more to the sun and the risk of photoaging. Although some days are cloudy, UV rays affect our skin in the same way, causing a risk in our dermis. Therefore, it is important to know what predisposition we have to sensitivity to ultraviolet rays in order to take care of ourselves and avoid possible illnesses.
Before explaining what photoaging is and how it influences our DNA, it is important to highlight the effects that ultraviolet rays can have on our body and what measures we must take into account when exposing ourselves to the sun.
While sunlight is beneficial for improving our mood, strengthening our immune system, and lowering blood pressure, it can also cause skin cancer and skin aging, among other ailments. Therefore, doctors recommend exposure to ultraviolet rays during the day for only 15 minutes, before or after noon.
As for care, it is important to avoid sunbathing between 10 am and 4 pm, wear a hat, sunglasses with UV protection and clothes that cover most of the body.
Likewise, it is advisable to stay in the shade as long as possible and protect the exposed areas of the skin, using sunscreen with a factor of 30 or more and reapplying it after two hours. In this context, it is essential to drink 2 liters of water a day to avoid dehydration.
What is photoaging and how does it influence our DNA?
Facial aging is a sign of epidermal wear that appears on the face due to the effects of the sun.
For photoaging to occur, ultraviolet rays must penetrate the skin cells, affecting the production of collagen and elastin. These are responsible for giving the epidermis a soft and elastic feel that is normally attributed to the characteristics of youth. But when a person is continuously exposed to ultraviolet rays, it accelerates the skin aging process, as it causes the destruction of early cells.
Likewise, the damage is not only seen in the physical appearance, but also leads to more serious problems, such as changes in cellular DNA, which in the long run are often the cause of skin cancer.
The power of genetics to protect the skin
The key to protecting the skin from photoaging is understanding the risks and adjusting behavior to ensure adequate skin protection at all times.
The risk of developing photoaging can be determined from one’s own genetics and thus understand what are the main needs of each skin. In this sense, environmental factors such as climate, use of medication and other genetic predispositions can impact the characteristics of each skin.