The Dangers Behind the Sun's Rays, Skin Ageing to Cancer Risk

Illustration of skin cancer examination. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Exposure to sunlight is needed by the body, especially to help form vitamin D. However, if it is excessive without protection, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can actually damage the skin.

In the long run, this exposure can accelerate aging, damage cell structures, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact and protect it early.

Skin and genital specialist, dr. R. Amanda Sumantri, SpKK, FINSDV, explained that long-term exposure to UV rays can trigger photoaging or premature aging of the skin, which not only affects appearance but also health.

"Exposure to ultraviolet light on the skin over the years will change the DNA in skin cells, triggering premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer," said Dr. Amanda.

He added, signs of premature aging usually appear on areas of the body that are often exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, back of the hands, arms, legs, and upper chest. Symptoms include the appearance of fine blood vessels resembling a net in the nose, cheeks, and neck, reduced skin elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth.

In addition, UV exposure can also cause various other skin disorders, such as rough and scaly red patches (actinic keratosis), skin discoloration such as melasma and age spots, to the appearance of white patches on some parts of the body. This condition makes the color and texture of the skin uneven and tends to be thinner.

To prevent these effects, the use of high SPF and waterproof sunscreen is highly recommended every day, especially on areas of the skin that are not covered by clothing. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied every two hours so that protection remains maximum.

Additional protection steps such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and long-sleeved clothing are also important when you are outdoors. In addition, avoiding direct sunlight from 10.00 to 16.00 can help reduce the risk of skin damage.

Although DNA damage due to UV rays cannot be completely restored, various medical treatments can help improve skin conditions. Among them are laser skin rejuvenation to stimulate collagen production, microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells, and chemical peeling to even out skin color.

Other treatments that may also be considered include the use of dermal fillers to replace lost collagen and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy which utilizes light waves to reduce signs of aging.

Thus, taking care of and protecting the skin from an early age is an important step to minimize the risk of premature aging and skin disorders due to sun exposure.