The sun’s rays are viewed as a source of warmth and life, and their effects are measured by what the eye sees, such as “tan after vacation, superficial burns that disappear quickly, or pigmentation that appears with age.” But beneath this calm surface, a completely different story hides. Daily exposure to the sun is a silent cumulative process of damage at the cellular level, which may end in the most dangerous types of cancer.
In the following lines, Consulto reviews: When does sun exposure cause skin cancer? According to “onlymyhealth”.
What happens under the skin
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Sunlight contains two main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB, both of which pose a risk to the skin through different mechanisms.
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Ultraviolet radiation (UVA)
It has a longer wavelength that enables it to penetrate deeper layers of the skin. This type, the same type used in tanning beds, damages the collagen and elastin fibers responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
It also produces harmful molecules known as “free radicals,” which weaken the skin’s infrastructure and cause premature aging and wrinkles.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVB)
Primarily affecting the superficial cells of the skin, these rays cause direct genetic mutations in the DNA of the cells, mutations that can accumulate and eventually lead to the transformation of these cells into cancer cells.
Repeated exposure to both types of radiation together pave the way for abnormal cell growth, opening the door to skin cancer.
How does damage turn into a tumor?
As the years pass, warning signs begin to appear on skin that has suffered from chronic sun exposure.
You may develop rough patches, sores that won’t heal, or subtle changes in texture.
Some of these changes may be actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous), and if left untreated, they may develop into skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, which appears in the outer layer of the skin, are closely linked to this cumulative exposure to sunlight over a lifetime.
As for melanoma, the most dangerous and deadly tumor, it is often associated with intense and intense exposure to the sun, which causes burns, especially in childhood and adolescence.
The risk varies from person to person. People with fair skin are more susceptible to visible changes, while warning signs may be less clear in people with dark skin, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes.
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Skin cancer prevention
In light of these risks, the use of sun protection means becomes indispensable daily, whether the weather is sunny or cloudy. It is recommended that:
– Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with UVA and UVB protection) with an SPF of 30 or more.
– Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
– Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm).
