A 43-year-old member asked:
why you have to avoid or stay out of the sun if you want skin to stay younger?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Keira Barr answered
Dermatology 22 years experience
So many reasons: Sun exposure contributes to break down of elastic tissue and collagen in skin leading to skin wrinkling prematurely. It also causes pigmentary changes: freckles, solar lentigos referred to as "liver or age spots" and is a major contributor to skin cancer and precursors to skin cancer (actinic keratoses) sun avoidance and sun precautions (sun screen, protective clothing) is best for youthful skin.
5774 views
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Similar questions
A 18-year-old member asked:
Does sitting under the sun for too long affect ur skin?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Leto Quarles answered
Family Medicine 23 years experience
Burns, cancer risk: Excess sun exposure can harm the skin immediately (dry, itchy skin, or full sunburn) and over the long-term (more wrinkles, increased risk of skin cancers). The fairer your skin tone, the more sensitive you may be, but even very darkly pigmented skin can still be damaged by too much sun. Always use a good sunscreen (spf 15 or more) when enjoying the sunny outdoors, and you should be protected.
5824 views
A 39-year-old member asked:
Why does the sun darken skin?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Sheila Calderon answered
Internal Medicine 41 years experience
Reaction : The sun reacts with the melanin already in your skin. Depending on your genetic makeup and race will determine how dark you will get. You have to have enough of the melanin in you skin for it to react to the sun and to get tan or darker skin tone. Some people only blister and peel but do not have enough melanin to actually tan.
5442 views
A 46-year-old member asked:
I have brown skin so if i stay out of the sun, will i become lighter?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. David Kam answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 36 years experience
No: Your skin color is genetic. It is important that you get some sun for vitamin d synthesis in your body.
5208 views
A 47-year-old member asked:
Will my skin get light again if i stay out of the sun completely?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Thomas Marxen answered
Periodontics 36 years experience
Very possible: Yes, more than likely!
5206 views
A 47-year-old member asked:
How does the sun affect skin?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. John Stephens answered
Dermatology 18 years experience
DNA damage: Prolonged sun exposure, especially during midday hours, can cause dna damage to cells in the skin. This results in photoaging and can eventually lead to the development of skin cancer.
5242 views
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
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