What Is Skin Memory And How Does It Work?

Skin memory is a real thing and not just some poetic term or novel name. This is a phenomenon that dermatologists are paying more and more attention to. Skin memory is particularly associated with sun exposure and subsequent skin damage.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body; in total it has an area of ​​about two meters and weighs about four pounds. It consists of three layers:

• Hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue
• Dermis
• Epidermis or epidermis

The skin acts as a protection against external factors, protecting us from the aggressive effects and changes of the environment. It also plays an important role in appearance and even self-esteem. When we look in the mirror, we see largely the skin tissue.

Many ignore the fact that the skin needs special care. It needs to be protected from certain harmful effects, such as the sun. In the article below, we explain what skin memory is so you can understand its meaning.

What does skin memory consist of?

Skin memory is a very interesting phenomenon. Of course, the skin does not have the same memory as the brain. Rather, it is a fact that  skin exposed to plenty of sunlight is more likely to suffer skin damage later on.

In other words, those whose skin is often exposed to the sun without protection are much more likely to begin to show signs of damage on the skin over the years. The biggest problem is that while in some cases these lesions are benign, sometimes they can be a precursor to cancer or even cancer.

We may not even know we have burned, but skin damage will nonetheless occur. This is the biggest reason why it is important to constantly use sunscreen. In addition, the sun protection factor should always be at least 30, and the fat should be applied to all exposed areas of the body.

How does skin memory work?

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight penetrates the skin. In this sense, there are two types of radiation: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are able to pass through clouds and even glass, reaching the middle layer of the skin.

Such rays, because they penetrate so deep into the skin, have been linked to light aging and liver spots. They can also damage the DNA of cells  and cause a mutation that can lead to skin cancer.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are rays that cause skin burns. While they may not as well penetrate the skin, reaching only the epidermis, they too have been linked to skin cancer. For this reason, we must protect ourselves from both radiation.

Skin memory is based on the fact that these radiations change the DNA of our cells. First, DNA damage repairs itself, but over time, more damage accumulates until it can no longer be repaired. When the cell’s ability to repair ends, cancer breaks out.

Always protect your skin

Skin memory is a part of us as soon as we are born. The risk of sun damage is even higher in children. For this reason, special care must be taken with children, especially at times of day when radiation is more intense.

At the same time, one should be aware that skin memory and skin cancer are closely related. Pale skin and eyes are also risk factors, although even darker-skinned people are not completely protected from the sun’s harmful effects. The problem is so significant that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers.

For this reason, we should never forget to protect our skin. Always avoid a tanning bed as well. Keep in mind that skin damage may not appear right away, but it will appear over time. So do what you can today to keep your skin healthy in the long run.