The Sun’s Rays and Their Effects on Human Skin

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This essay will discuss the effects of the sun on aging. This topic is interesting as there are currently two central positions presented; the theme focuses on both the positive and negative influences of the sun. On the one side, exposure to sunlight triggers the synthesis of vitamin D3, without which the normal functioning of bone tissue is impossible. However, an excess of the sun also leads to chronic skin diseases and premature aging. Nevertheless, only at the beginning of the 20th century did scientists started paying attention to the sun’s effect on humans. This essay will analyze early research on the effects of the sun on aging and critically evaluate current works on the topic. It seems that since solar radiation in large quantities harms human skin, it is necessary to use protective equipment and control the time spent in the sun.

As already noted, studies of the influence of the sun began in the 20th century. However, only in its second half were full-fledged researches carried out. For example, Kligman (1969) was the first to discover that the sun has a damaging effect on people’s skin, causing aging. In later works, the scientists’ observations were confirmed: the sun is an external factor affecting the aging of the epidermis (Sveikata et al., 2011; Vierkötter et al., 2010). All articles mention the devastating consequences of long-term exposure to solar radiation for the human skin and note an insufficient number of similar studies on the topic.

Sunlight can be controlled as a factor causing skin aging, but it is essential to know how this process occurs to be protected in advance. In their article Mesa-Arango, Flórez-Muñoz, and Sanclemente (2017) write that the sun’s harmful effects on the skin are primarily due to UVB rays, which stimulate sunburn (2017). Type A beams are even more insidious because they do not hurt but penetrate deep into the skin. They accelerate skin aging and cause light intolerance, known as skin allergies and pigmentation disorders (hyperpigmentation, melanoma) (Mesa-Arango et al., 2017). UVA and UVB rays also damage cells and DNA; this invisible damage can manifest itself in the long term in the form of skin cancer. The article is structured according to the principle of summarizing and evaluating existing literature sources on the topic. The authors turn to scientific papers and research as a theoretical basis and propose their own solutions to the problem of skin aging, such as using natural sunscreens against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The research was published in a journal included in the register of scientific ones and regularly cited by researchers, so it can be argued that the analyzed work is a reliable source.

Many people think that tanning is a healthy thing because this is how the organism obtains vitamin D. This element has many merits; for example, it is believed that it helps in the fight against depression (Zmijewski 2019). Namely, it participates in regulating tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme necessary for the production of dopamine (Menon et al., 2020). The moment the skin changes color to bronze under the sun’s influence, the natural mechanisms of its antioxidant defense system are activated. However, they are not always enough: for example, skin cells need about four days to recover after active tanning. Moreover, questions regarding how the process of disrupting the work of cells occurs; however, it is known that the sun’s influence extends down to the structure of the DNA of cells (Schuch et al., 2017). Accordingly, more research is needed to confirm the causal relationships and conclusions found in the current works.

The sun’s rays are radioactive, and with their activity, skin aging is connected. However, the process of their effect on human skin is irreducible only to a negative impact. Ultraviolet also has a direct antiseptic effect, suppressing the activity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Finally, a light tan usually refreshes the face and hides some cosmetic imperfections, such as the effects of acne. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the skin does not have time to recover. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, free oxygen radicals are formed, molecules that destroy other molecules (Sivamani et al., 2009). The authors of scientific papers emphasize that the sun’s influence is heterogeneous and requires control. Both positive and negative effects of the interaction of the skin with the sun are noted.

There are no fundamental differences between the current research on the topic and the main article selected for analysis. It should only be noted that the report by Mesa-Arango, Flórez-Muñoz, and Sanclemente summarizes more recent observations than others. It is essential for all authors not only to emphasize the danger to human health emanating from the sun but also dwell on its beneficial properties.

Too much sunbathing can lead to severe skin problems, including sunstroke and burns. However, the sun’s rays are essential for human health for getting vitamin D. Sun exposure has both a positive effect on the body and a negative impact on various processes in the skin. If one needs to stay outdoors, it is required to use sunscreen. Products of this direction sufficiently represent the modern cosmetology industry. When giving preference to any of them, it is necessary to pay attention to the indicators of the SPF factor, which characterizes the degree of protection.

References

Kligman A. M. (1969). Early destructive effect of sunlight on human skin. JAMA, 210(13), 2377–2380.

Menon, V., Kar, S. K., Suthar, N., & Nebhinani, N. (2020). Vitamin D and depression: A critical appraisal of the evidence and future directions.Indian journal of psychological medicine, 42(1), 11–21.

Mesa-Arango, A. C., Flórez-Muñoz, S. V., & Sanclemente, G. (2017). Mechanisms of skin aging.Iatreia, 30(2), 160-170.

Schuch, A. P., Moreno, N. C., Schuch, N. J., Menck, C., & Garcia, C. (2017). Sunlight damage to cellular DNA: Focus on oxidatively generated lesions. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 107, 110–124.

Sivamani, R. K., Crane, L. A., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2009). The benefits and risks of ultraviolet tanning and its alternatives: the role of prudent sun exposure.Dermatologic clinics, 27(2), 149–vi.

Sveikata K., Balciuniene I., & Tutkuviene J. (2011). Factors influencing face aging. Literature review. Stomatologija, 13(4):113–116.

Vierkötter, A., Schikowski, T., Ranft, U., Sugiri, D., Matsui, M., Krämer, U., & Krutmann, J. (2010). Airborne particle exposure and extrinsic skin aging. The Journal of investigative dermatology, 130(12), 2719–2726.

Zmijewski M. A. (2019). Vitamin D and human health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(1), 145.

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The Sun’s Rays and Their Effects on Human Skin

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