- Wrinkles and fine lines on the face, neck and around the eyes are the most common indicators of sun damage. Ultraviolet rays damage the underlying collagen of the skin, which causes wrinkles and fine lines. As skin eventually loses its elasticity, wrinkles form and skin sags.
- Age spots (or liver spots) are another sign of sun damage. Age spots are brownish, splotchy patches that appear on the skin as a result of overexposure to sunlight. These spots can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the arms, hands and face.
- For people who have spent too much time tanning in the sun, their skin takes on a leathery, brittle texture. The elastin and collagen in the skin are permanently damaged as a result of too much time spent in the sun. The skin loses hydration and firmness, which gives it the appearance of rough, dry leather.
- Another sign of sun damage on the skin is freckles (especially found in people with fair skin). Freckles are caused by a build up of melanin (which gives skin its color). When too much sunlight hits skin directly, it causes melanin to accumulate in one place on the skin and freckles often form.
- Broken capillaries, especially on the face, are another common sign of sun damage. When skin is exposed to direct sunlight over an extended period of time, the capillaries directly under the skin's surface can become damaged. This damage causes red, thin lines usually around the nose and cheek areas.
- Irregular mole changes are another indicator of sun damage. For people who have experienced sunburns in the past or tan on a regular basis, they should check their moles for irregular changes in color, shape and texture. Irregular mole changes could be the early warning signs of skin cancer.
