Sun Makes Your Skin Age Quicker – Astounding Proof

Photo From New England Journal of Medicine

Above is a picture that clearly illustrates the effect of ultraviolet light penetration through glass.  The left side , or driver’s side, of our face/ neck/ shoulder is disproportionately damaged by the sun (dermatoheliosis).  Of course, if you are always the passenger  in a car the right side gets the exposure.   It is an additive effect over a period of time.

Remember significant sun damage can happen even if you don’t use the tanning beds.  Laying out in the backyard covered in baby oil or gardening without a hat  and sleeves can age your skin quicker over time.

According to the findings by Doctors Jennifer R.S. Gordon, M.D. and Joaquin C. Brieva, M.D., in the April 19, 2012 New England Journal of Medicine,

A 69-year-old man presented with a 25-year history of gradual, asymptomatic thickening and wrinkling of the skin on the left side of his face. The physical examination showed hyperkeratosis with accentuated ridging, multiple open comedones, and areas of nodular elastosis. Histopathological analysis showed an accumulation of elastolytic material in the dermis and the formation of milia within the vellus hair follicles. Findings were consistent with the Favre–Racouchot syndrome of photodamaged skin, known as dermatoheliosis. The patient reported that he had driven a delivery truck for 28 years. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays transmit through window glass, penetrating the epidermis and upper layers of dermis. Chronic UVA exposure can result in thickening of the epidermis and stratum corneum, as well as destruction of elastic fibers. This photoaging effect of UVA is contrasted with photocarcinogenesis. Although exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is linked to a higher rate of photocarcinogenesis, UVA has also been shown to induce substantial DNA mutations and direct toxicity, leading to the formation of skin cancer. The use of sun protection and topical retinoids and periodic monitoring for skin cancer were recommended for the patient.

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