The Downsides of Excessive Sun Exposure
According to researchers, sunlight exposure is one of the leading causes of skin cancer.
Sun damage is much more than skin cancer though. The sun can cause a variety of problems with your eyes, immune system, and more. There are many downsides of excessive sun exposure, and many people are making the mistake of thinking sunlight is only beneficial.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading to find out why you don’t want to overdo your time outdoors.
Skin Problems Leads to Skin Cancer
Too much sun exposure can be extremely harmful. It can cause the skin to become dry, leathery, wrinkled, and sunburned, which makes it uncomfortable and unattractive. Prolonged exposure can also lead to skin cancer known as melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The sun’s UV rays damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that keep skin looking firm and elastic. So, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even if you’re just going for a walk or running errands to prevent sunburn. If you have sunburns, click here for some tips on how to heal them.
Damaged Hair
The UV rays can cause the proteins in your hair to break down, making your hair dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage. The heat from the sun can also cause your hair to become frizzy and unmanageable.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun without using any protection for your hair, you will eventually start to see signs of damage, such as split ends and a dull, lifeless appearance. If you’re going to be outside for a prolonged period of time, be sure to wear a hat and protective clothing.
Dehydration
The body relies on water to function, and dehydration can lead to a number of problems. Excessive sun exposure can cause the body to lose water through sweating, and if replacement fluids are not consumed, dehydration can occur.
Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, fatigue, and headaches. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to heat stroke, seizures, and even death. So it is important to stay hydrated, especially when spending time in the sun.
Damage to the Eyes
Excessive sun exposure can cause damage to the eyes. This can include problems such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and pingueculae.
All of which can eventually lead to blindness. So if you value your vision and your appearance, it’s important to wear sunglasses when outside for extended periods of time to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays or limit your time in the sun.
The Risk of Sun Exposure on Overall Health
While getting some sun is essential for our health, too much sun exposure can be dangerous. It can cause skin damage, eye damage, dehydration, and heat stroke.
It is important to stay safe in the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and by drinking plenty of water. Limit your time in the sun, especially during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out the rest of our website. We have tons of articles on all topics related to health and wellness.
