What can excessive UV exposure do to skin health?

Excessive UV exposure can lead to premature aging and skin damage due to its harmful effects on the skin's structure and function. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, particularly UVB and UVA rays, it can trigger various detrimental processes. This includes the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are critical proteins that maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Over time, this degradation leads to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging, and loss of texture.

Moreover, excessive UV exposure is a significant risk factor for other skin issues, including hyperpigmentation and sunburn, and can contribute to the development of skin cancers due to DNA damage in skin cells. While moderate sun exposure is beneficial for Vitamin D synthesis, excessive UV levels overwhelm these benefits, highlighting the importance of sun protection. Understanding these effects emphasizes the necessity of protecting the skin from UV radiation to maintain its overall health and appearance.