Student Article High School Science Journal Author: Carly Pinzini

The Consequences of Sun Exposure

July 19, 2007

Today our society is becoming increasingly aware of the consequences of excess sun exposure, but not fully conscious of the direct damage the sun is causing to our skin. According to Renata Mullen, M.D., Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, and the risk for teenagers developing skin cancer has increased by 100% in the past ten years. The skin acts as a human’s first line of defense against bacteria and infection, and is the largest organ of the body. Skin can be easily damaged by over exposure to the sun. The sun is ultimately the energy provider for all life, but too much of it can cause serious problems such as melanoma (a serious skin cancer), early aging (wrinkles and leathery skin), suns spots and freckles, and  dehydration. Sun exposure can be prevented if everyone becomes well informed of its direct affect on the skin.

      The sun produces three different types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which affects the different amounts of radiation damaging the skin. UVA radiation penetrates deeply into the skin and causes melanin producing cells, called melanocytes, to produce a greater amount of melanin than normal. This is also known as direct tanning. These rays are not deterred by atmospheric layers, and have an immediate affect on skin even on cloudy days. Another type of ultraviolet radiation are UVB rays. UVB rays stimulate the outer surface of the epidermis, or skin layer. UVB rays are the primarily cause of sunburns that can sometimes elevate to extreme blisters or even nerve damage. Over exposure to both UVA and UVB radiation cause immediate and often irreversible damage to the skin.

  UV rays can cause a number of different problems that range in magnitude from moderate to extremely serious. The most common form is sunburn (a first degree burn). It occurs when the body cannot handle the amount of sun exposure. When this occurs the cells follow the process of apoptosis, programmed cell death. This explains the reason that skin “peels” after it is burned. Mutations caused by penetrating UV rays can lead to the division of cancerous cells. Ultraviolet radiation also causes skin damage by breaking down collagen and causes immunodeficiency by ruining the process of DNA repair. When the collagen in skin breaks down, the elastin in the skin becomes abnormal. Over time it will build up, forming wrinkles and leathery skin.

      According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), “melanoma… is diagnosed in more than 60,000 people each year and causes several thousand deaths”. The best way to protect yourself from skin damage is to limit your time spent in the sun, especially during the early afternoon, when the UV rays are most powerful. Sunscreen with 35 SPF or greater is another great way to protect skin, as long as it is applied every two hours. The use of hats and sunglasses can also significantly reduce direct exposure to the sun, decreasing the chances of  skin damage and the development of cataracts in the eyes. Sun damage is becoming a serious problem in American society and can cause injury, cancer, and even death, but it can be prevented if people become more aware and take proper precautions.  

 
Back to the Apple Blossom