How do ultraviolet rays damage the skin?

UV index (ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet rays) is a measure of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, reflecting the level of risk of harm to the skin. The higher the index, the greater the likelihood of causing skin burns, sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer. Pharmacist Do Xuan Hoa, Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that if the UV index is very high, the skin is at risk of damage after just 10-15 minutes of direct exposure to sunlight without protection.

UV rays are of three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. Among them, UVA and UVB can penetrate the atmosphere and directly affect the skin. With a long wavelength of 320-400 nm, UVA rays have the ability to penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin, causing melasma, dryness, wrinkles, and skin aging. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths of 290-320 nm, affect mainly the skin’s epidermis, and are the direct cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

When exposed to UV rays, the body stimulates melanocytes to increase melanin production to protect the skin from damage. However, too much melanin is produced and accumulated, causing the skin to become dark, forming melasma, freckles, and age spots. Before the attack of UV rays, the skin reacts by releasing a series of inflammatory substances and oxidants (ROS) to heal damage. This inflammation manifests itself as the heat and redness of sunburn and sunburn.

Symptoms such as dark spots, skin burns, and sunburn are the initial skin damage that can be seen on the outside. Meanwhile, genetic damage (skin cell DNA destabilization, mutation formation) often occurs silently, accumulates over time and only becomes evident in the late stages. According to the American Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), people who get sunburned 5 times in their life can double their risk of skin cancer.

In addition to the intensity of UV rays, the duration of sun exposure and skin condition also cause the level of damage to vary from person to person. Pharmacist Hoa explains this difference is related to how the body produces melanin. If the body produces more light-colored melanin, the skin is less likely to darken. If dark melanin predominates, the skin easily becomes darker. When these dark pigments concentrate in one area, melasma or freckles can form.

In young people, the skin often has a stronger structure and higher levels of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione, which help limit the formation of dark melanin. As age increases, the amount of this substance gradually decreases, making the skin susceptible to dark spots and more sensitive to the effects of sunlight.

Pharmacist Hoa recommends that people limit going out between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the time frame with the highest UV ray intensity. If you must go outdoors, you should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15-30 minutes before and reapply every 2-3 hours. Cover carefully such as wearing a hat, umbrella, mask, gloves, socks, shoes that cover your feet… properly to prevent UV rays. Drinking 2-3 liters of water a day, eating a diet rich in vitamins C, E and minerals from fruits and vegetables contributes to helping the skin recover better after exposure to sunlight.

In case of sunburn or sunburn, you can apply a cool, damp cloth to the damaged skin and use a cooling, moisturizing product that is gentle on the skin. If the burn does not improve after a few days of care, see a dermatologist for a check-up.

Supplementing nutrients such as Sakura, L-Glutathione, Pomegranate, Collagen, P. Leucotomos… can help keep skin healthy and protect against sunburn from the inside. These essences help slow down the aging process, help the skin regenerate its foundation structure, and limit the risk of skin damage.