How the sun damages your skin

In its early stages, sun damage manifests as subtle surface changes, such as dryness, discoloration and scaly spots. But as sun exposure continues to accumulate, the damage morphs into deeper lines, uneven color and texture, and loss of firmness and elasticity.

As a means of protecting itself from the sun, the body produces excess melanin, which can cause uneven color over time. Even though darker skin has more natural protection, it's still prone to damage. In addition to unevenness, sun exposure can lead to other types of discoloration, like age spots (found on the forehead, hands, arms, back, etc.) and labial lentigo, which are freckles on the lips.

Furthermore, when the sun damages the skin, it weakens elastin and collagen, in turn causing deep wrinkles, sagging and looseness.

There are numerous ways to treat sun damage, but the most effective solutions help renew skin's surface by eliminating damaged cells and revealing newer, fresher skin.