The existence of a memory of the skin determines a greater risk of suffering long-term skin lesions. Damage to cell DNA accumulates and is difficult to stop over time.
The memory of the skin is something real, not a poetic term or the name of a novel. It is a phenomenon that dermatologists are increasingly aware of. It is related, above all, to sun exposure and the damage that occurs later.
The skin is the largest organ in our body. In fact, as a whole, it occupies about 2 meters on average and weighs more than 4 kilograms. It is divided into three layers:
- Hypodermis.
- Dermis.
- Epidermis.
This organ works as a barrier from the outside, protecting us from aggressions and changes in our environment. In addition, it has a very important role in our appearance, and even our self-esteem. When we look at ourselves in a mirror, what we see is a large part of the dermal tissue.
Many people do not take into account that the skin needs special care, and that it needs to be protected from certain dangers, such as sun exposure. In this article we explain what the memory of the skin consists of, so that you understand its importance.
What is the memory of the skin?
The memory of the skin is a curious phenomenon. It has nothing to do with brain memory as we understand it. It consists in that skin that has received a lot of sun exposure has a greater risk of suffering skin lesions in the future.
That is, a person who has been exposed a lot to sunlight without protection, when a significant number of years have passed, has a much greater chance of beginning to express skin lesions. The problem is that they can be both benign and precancerous, or even cancerous.
Although at the time of exposure we do not even get sunburns, that does not prevent these lesions from appearing. This is the main reason why it is recommended to constantly use sun creams. Furthermore, the protection factor must be equal to or greater than 30, covering all exposed parts of the body with the product.
How does the memory of the skin work?
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight passes through the thickness of the skin. We distinguish between UVB rays and UVA rays. UVA rays are capable of passing through clouds and even crystals, reaching the middle layer of the skin.
These types of rays, penetrating so deeply, are those that are related to photoaging processes and sun spots. In the same way, they can also damage the DNA of the cells and cause the mutation that causes skin cancer.
UVB rays are not able to penetrate the skin as much and are limited to the epidermis. They are to blame for sunburn. However, they are also related to skin cancer, so you have to protect yourself against both types of radiation.
The skin’s memory is based on the fact that these radiations alter the DNA of the cells. What happens is that, at first, these DNA lesions are repaired. Over time, the damage accumulates, until it reaches a point where it cannot be repaired. Once the cell repair process is exhausted, cancer appears.
Always protect the skin.
The memory of the skin is present from our birth. When unprotected sun exposure occurs in childhood, the risk of injury is even higher. That is why we must be especially careful with children and the hours of maximum radiation.
On the other hand, we must be aware that skin cancer is highly related. Having light skin and eyes is another risk factor, although that does not exclude people with a different complexion. So much so the problem, that dermal cancer is one of the most prevalent.
Therefore, we must never forget to protect the skin. In addition, it is recommended to avoid ultraviolet radiation chambers to tan. The appearance of long-term damage should not be a reason to lower your defenses.
