The Effect of the Sun on the Anatomy and Physiology of Your Skin

Sunshine Is Here, at Last!

After what felt like an eternity of grey skies and relentless rain, the sunshine has finally broken through—and we’re more than ready to soak it up. That warm glow on your skin can lift your spirits in an instant. But before you rush out to bask in the sun, it’s essential to pause and protect your skin.

Sunshine and Your Mood

There’s no doubt that sunlight makes us feel good. Exposure to natural sunlight stimulates the production of Vitamin D, vital for strong bones, teeth, and overall immune function. Additionally, sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, the brain chemical that promotes feelings of happiness, calm, and focus. This is why we often feel more upbeat and energetic on sunny days.

Serotonin also plays a key role in regulating sleep, appetite, and digestion. However, like many things in life, balance is everything. Too little serotonin is linked to depression, while excessive serotonin levels—though rarely caused by sun exposure alone—can lead to symptoms like headaches, high blood pressure, shivering, and muscle twitching.

So yes, we need sunshine—but we also need to respect its power, especially when it comes to our skin.

The Sun and Your Skin: What You Should Know

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it reacts quickly to sunlight, particularly to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In response to UV exposure, your skin produces more melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. While a tan might make you feel like you’ve got a healthy glow, it's actually a sign that your skin is in defence mode, trying to protect itself from DNA damage.

But here’s the catch: a tan doesn’t equal protection. Even tanned skin can suffer long-term effects from repeated sun exposure. Here’s what can happen:

???? Common Effects of Sun Damage:

Skin Cancer: Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer. Early detection and protection are key.

Premature Ageing: UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and a rough, leathery texture.

Sunburn: A sunburn is literally a radiation burn. It causes redness, inflammation, pain, and blistering. Repeated sunburns increase the risk of lasting scarring and skin disorders.

Eye Damage: UV exposure can harm your eyes, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis(sunburn of the cornea).

Weakened Immune Function: Chronic sun damage can impair your skin’s ability to act as a barrier and respond to immune threats.

Skin Knowledge for Therapists

If you’re a massage therapist, beauty therapist, or training to become one, understanding skin health is absolutely essential. It’s not just about achieving beautiful skin—it’s about recognizing when something might be wrong.

As professionals who work directly with the skin, it’s our responsibility to identify possible skin pathologies (diseases and disorders) and recommend clients seek medical advice when necessary. A gentle, “You might want to have this checked by your GP,” can go a long way in early detection of serious conditions.

Resources like WebMD, medical textbooks, and our ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathologyoffer excellent visual references and in-depth knowledge to help you stay informed.

And remember: if in doubt—don’t treat. Contraindications exist for a reason, and sometimes not treating is the safest and most professional option.

?? Top Tips for Reducing Sun Damage

Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest

Always wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher—even on cloudy days

Invest in quality sunglasses with UV protection (category rating of 2 or higher)

Wear UV protective clothing, including long sleeves, trousers, and wide-brimmed hats

Stay hydrated and seek shade when outdoors for extended periods

You can find more safety tips on the NHS website, which provides great guidance on protecting yourself and your family in the sun.

So yes—step outside, feel the warmth on your face, let your mood rise with the sunshine. Just make sure you're protecting your skin while doing it.

Be happy, be safe, and wear your sunscreen!

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