The sun's rays have two different effects on our skin, which can be both beneficial and harmful. Although sunlight has benefits, such as enabling the body to produce vitamin D, excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can have serious negative effects on skin health. Here are the harmful effects of the sun on the skin and methods of protection from these effects:

Harmful Effects of the Sun:

1. UV Rays and Their Effects on the Skin Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can directly damage our skin. There are two main types of UV rays:
   UVA Rays: They have longer wavelengths and penetrate the deeper skin layers (dermis). They slowly damage the skin and accelerate skin aging.
   UVB Rays: UVB rays, which have shorter wavelengths, damage the skin surface and cause sunburn. UVB rays are also one of the main factors that increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Premature aging (photoaging) Excessive exposure to the sun can cause the skin to show signs of premature aging. This is called photoaging and can cause the following changes in the skin
   Fine lines and wrinkles.
   Loss of skin elasticity, sagging.
   Uneven skin color (hyperpigmentation, age spots
3. Sunburn Exposure to UV rays can cause redness, pain and swelling of the skin. Sunburn causes the skin to become inflamed to regenerate itself. Severe sunburns can permanently damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.
4. Skin Cancer Risk Sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. In particular, more serious forms of cancer, such as melanoma, can develop as a result of overexposure to UV rays. UV rays can cause cancer by damaging the DNA of skin cells. Skin cancer can be successfully managed with early detection and treatment.
5. Eye Damage The sun's harmful rays not only affect the skin but also threaten the eyes. UV rays can contribute to the development of conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to blindness.

Other Effects of the Sun on the Skin:

1. Sunscreen Use Sunscreen products are the most effective method to protect the skin from UV rays. Choosing products with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) value is essential for maintaining skin health. Products with SPF 30 and above provide broad spectrum protection.
2. Sun Exposure Time To protect from sunlight, avoid being outside during peak sun hours (10:00-16:00). The skin is exposed to more UV rays during these hours.
3. Protective Clothing Wide-brimmed hats, UV protective fabrics and sunglasses can be used to protect your skin and eyes.
4. Regular Skin Care After sun exposure, it is important to moisturize the skin, use restorative skin care products and perform after-sun care. Skin needs additional support to recover from the effects of the sun.
5. Adequate Water Consumption It is important to drink plenty of water to prevent the sun from drying out the skin. The skin should be kept moisturized and dehydration should be prevented.

The harmful effects of the sun can threaten skin health and cause serious problems in the long term. However, it is possible to avoid sun damage with the right protection methods. To protect your skin health and avoid the harmful effects of the sun, it is necessary to use sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing and limit your exposure to the sun.

A detailed preliminary examination is of great importance before aesthetic operations. Uzm. Dr. Kamile Demirci can guide you in the best way in this process with her expertise and experience. You can contact us via the contact information below to make a pre-examination appointment.