How many peels required for undereye fine lines: Both UVA and UVB rays cause damage to the body, including genetic injury, wrinkles, aging skin disorders, and skin cancers. Exactly how they cause this damage is not yet fully understood. Processes Leading to Wrinkles. Even small amounts of UV radiation trigger the processes that can cause wrinkles: Sunlight damages collagen fibers (the major protein that gives structure to the skin). Sunlight also damages elastin, a protein in the skin that normally maintains the springiness and strength of tissue beneath the skin. In response to this sun-induced elastin damage, the body produces large amounts of enzymes called metalloproteinases . Some of the these enzymes degrade (break down) collagen. The result is an uneven formation ( matrix ) of disorganized collagen fibers called solar scars . Repetition of this abnormal skin rebuilding causes wrinkles. An important event in this process is the over-production of oxidants , also called free radicals. Excessive amounts of oxidants damage the body's cells and even alter their genetic material. Oxidation may contribute to wrinkling by activating the specific metalloproteinases that degrade connective tissue.
Answered 5/30/2016
1.3k views
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A doctor has provided 1 answer
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question