6 Reasons Why You Should Protect Yourself From Sun Damage

Wouldn’t you love to have the sun-kissed glow that your favorite celebrity flaunts? Well, it is easy to think of tanning as a beauty additive, but there is a flip side to this. Think beyond the lovely bronze that you consider a sign of good health because prolonged exposure to sunlight can be harmful in several ways. Of course, sunlight replenishes the vitamin D reserves in your body but you cannot ignore the health issues related to over-exposure. First things first, it is important to understand what sun damage can do to your body. The effects go beyond the visible ones and there are hidden dangers that you must be aware of. Here are the reasons why you should make all the efforts to protect yourself from sun damage.

Heatstroke

When you think about sun damage, you probably visualize skin-related issues. But is one of the most serious concerns that can arise due to exposure. It can have several side effects, ranging from severe headaches, nausea, fever, disorientation, and fainting. You may even experience dehydration as your body loses excessive water due to sweating. Heatstroke can even turn fatal if not addressed in time because it can lead to organ failure. Ideally, you should carry plenty of water and drink it to stay hydrated while you are outdoors. 

Skin cancer

Excessive exposure to the sun is regarded as one of the leading causes of skin cancer. A majority of skin cancer cases are, in fact, attributed to sun exposure. And this connection is no longer just a claim or myth but a research-backed fact. Every time you step out without protection, you put yourself at the potential risk of skin cancer. Even if you don’t specifically get sunburns, consistent exposure over time does elevate your risk to a significant extent. Know your risk factors and take adequate precautions to limit your risk. Seeking the assistance of an expert dermatologist is the best approach.

Wrinkles and age spots

Beyond just burning skin, soaking up too much of the sun can accelerate the aging process as well. From wrinkles to fine lines, age spots and sagging skin, there is much that can happen if you frequently step outdoors unprotected. Of course, you can rely on sunscreens but there are several other alternatives that you can try. Read through https://www.patchmd.com/sunscreen-alternative.html to know more about some safe and effective sunscreen alternatives. You can try something as basic as coconut oil or explore an innovative option like a sunscreen patch.

Sunburns

You may want to spend hours lounging on the beach to get a gorgeous tan but beware because it can give you as well. Sunburns can be painful and may take weeks to heal. Exposing bare skin is an absolute no-no, even if your best friend or colleague advises you to do it. Your best bet would be to use a high SPF sunscreen if you really want to try getting a natural suntan. Avoid exposure during the peak hours and cover your face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat because you would not want sunburns on your face.

Brittle hair

There is more than one way in which sun damage can harm your beauty. Beyond damaging your skin, it can cause dry and brittle hair. Though the problem is not life-threatening, it can still be a cause of concern. Coupled with dry winds, the sun’s heat can wreak havoc on your hair and deprive them of moisture from within. Too much sun can also damage colored hair. The best way to deal with the issue is to cover your hair with a scarf or hat when you step out. Regular deep conditioning is also a must as it protects your hair from the roots.

Cataracts 

Another reason why you should seek protection from sun damage is that it exposes you to the risk of developing a cataract. Though you may think that this is an age-related disease, overexposure to the sun’s heat definitely contributes as a major risk factor. Invest in good quality sunglasses to keep your eyes protected when you need to go outdoors during the day. Avoid stepping out during the times of the day when sunlight is harsh. 

Considering the extensive harmful effect of the sun’s rays, it is better to be watchful and take the right precautions to keep yourself protected. Stick to the basic sun protection rules. Also, visit a dermatologist at the earliest if you see any visible signs of sun damage.