Prolonged exposure to the sun triggers photoaging

Experts made an assessment of photoaging, which is used to describe the signs of sun-induced aging caused by UVA and UVB rays from the sun on the skin.

Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay, faculty member of the Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (IUC) Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, noted that the best way to protect yourself from sun rays is to wear a hat, glasses and long-sleeved, cuffed clothes.

Kutlubay, who also touched on the importance of not going out in the sun at noon, said, "It is necessary to avoid going out in the sun as much as possible during noon hours, and between 10:00 and 16:00-17:00. If we have to go out in the sun, it is actually ideal to go out in the sun by applying a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF, but there are different numbers on sunscreens; such as 30, 50. Especially 15 and above protects us from the sun in sufficient amounts. 10-15 SPF sunscreen protects 95 percent from the sun, 30 SPF sunscreen protects 97 percent. Those that say 50 and 50 plus protect 99 percent. In other words, as it is thought, when the protection factor increases from 15 to 50, it does not protect 3-5 times more."

Those with fair skin are in the riskier group

Kutlubay, who stated that 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet rays, said, "Especially up until the age of 18-20, a person actually receives 80 percent of the sunlight they will receive throughout their life during this period. Therefore, it is very important to protect babies, children and young people from the sun. Especially blistering sunburns that occur in infancy and childhood or excessive exposure to the sun affect skin cancers that may develop in the future."

Kutlubay noted the following regarding the effects of the sun on the body:

"The development of skin cancer is particularly affected by the accumulation of sun rays on the skin over time. Cancer is not the only harm of sunlight; the sun can cause cataracts, spots, photoaging, and weaken the immune system. The phenomenon we call photoaging is this. The UVA fraction in particular can cause a dirty, rough appearance, folds, wrinkles or spots on the skin over time. People exposed to the sun develop brownish spots on their faces in areas exposed to the sun. We see this more often, especially in sensitive individuals. People with fair skin, colored eyes, freckles, red hair, a lot of moles on their bodies, or those who have had skin cancer themselves or in their family are in a higher risk group in this respect. They must be protected better from the sun."

Kutlubay gave the following information about the effects of the sun on spots:

"Firstly, in sensitive individuals or those with hormonal predisposition, especially women, it first causes a light brown pigment accumulation on the forehead, cheeks or face. If you do not protect yourself from the sun over time, the stain gradually begins to settle and may look like a stigma. Secondly, the sun can increase the number, diameter and color of existing moles, change them or facilitate the appearance of new moles. Or it can turn existing moles into skin cancer in the future. Therefore, the sun is risky in this respect. Proper protection is essential."

Reminding that the human body also needs sun, Kutlubay emphasized that there is no such thing as complete sun protection and that those with fair and sensitive skin should be a little more careful.

"Sunscreen should be used every day, regardless of the season"

Dermatology Specialist Dr. Dilek Başaran also stated that premature aging of the skin due to sunlight is photoaging.

Mentioning that sun rays can damage the skin in the short and long term, Başaran said, "While normal aging progresses through genetic processes, photoaging occurs due to environmental effects. It is more apparent in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and hands. Blemishes, wrinkles and loss of elasticity are the main symptoms of photoaging."

Başaran noted that the most common symptoms of sun-related skin are dryness, redness, blemishes, fine wrinkles, vascular dilation and tone inequalities.

Başaran stated that as a result of long-term unprotected exposure, the skin becomes dull and loses its elasticity, and continued as follows:

"Sun rays affect the vascular structure and cause the capillaries to dilate. At the same time, the pigment cells in the skin become irregular, which leads to blemishes. Fine lines become more apparent with collagen loss. Over time, these findings become permanent and the skin takes on an older appearance. Sunscreen should be used every day, regardless of the season. Avoid going out during hours when sunlight is intense. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved clothing should be preferred. Turning to the shade reduces contact with harmful rays."

"Citizens need to be aware of the harmful effects of the sun"

Dr. Abdussamet Çelebi, Internal Medicine and Sub-branch Medical Oncology Specialist at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, explained that with the increase in temperatures in the summer, they started to encounter heat strokes, sunburns, problems related to fluid loss and food poisoning.

Çelebi, who emphasized that direct exposure to direct sunlight should not be avoided at certain times of the day, said, "These problems can have more serious consequences, especially in elderly patients with reduced thirst, children and those with chronic diseases, hypertension, heart failure and diabetes."

Çelebi stated that the sun is beneficial, but its harms should not be ignored in the summer months, and said, " Since the sun's rays reach the earth with steeper rays in the summer, exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to heat stroke, sunburn and, in the long term, an increase in the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, citizens need to be aware of the harmful effects of the sun starting from childhood."

Çelebi also emphasized that fluid and mineral loss due to excessive sweating can become a significant problem, reminding that 2 liters of water should be drunk daily, and warned, "In some risk groups, those who do sports, those who work outdoors, those with chronic diseases and children, it is recommended to increase fluid consumption. Food poisoning can also be a significant health problem in the summer months. Fresh foods should be consumed, and attention should be paid to freshness and whether or not milk and dairy products are kept at room temperature."