U of L Dermatologist warns about sun damaging skin - WDRB 41 Louisville - News, Weather, Sports Community

U of L Dermatologist warns about the damage sun can do to your skin

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Many people love the warm sun. The sun's rays make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. But exposure to sun causes most of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces. 

With summer breaks starting up, people are spending more time out in the sun. U of L dermatologist Courtney Schadt discusses the damage your skin can get from all that fun in the sun and the best sunblock.

We often associate a glowing complexion with good health, but skin color obtained from being in the sun—or in a tanning booth—actually accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer.

Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers breakdown, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching.

The skin also bruises and tears more easily—taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you're young, it will definitely show later in life.

 

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  • Thanks to a grant from Norton Healthcare, this story and others are available in real-time closed captioning on WDRB.
    Thanks to a grant from Norton Healthcare, this story and others are available in real-time closed captioning on WDRB.