Do Surfers Get Wrinkles?
We all know that wrinkles come with age but do wrinkles also come with more surfing?
We all know how catching waves is one of the best moments out there, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – well, actually, it is mostly sunshine.
And as it turns out, that sunshine can have a pretty significant impact on your skin. Yes, surfers can get wrinkles just like anyone else who is regularly exposed to the sun.
Actually, surfers may even be more prone to wrinkles than others. Let’s dive into the details and take a look at why this is the case and how can you protect your beautiful face.
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The Sun Is The Wrinkle Creator
The ally that makes your day better but also an unforgiving enemy that put marks on your face. We all know that spending too much time in the sun can be damaging to our skin.
Despite that, when you are a surfer, your relationship with the sun is even more intense due to its direct exposure to your face and body.
But how does the sun does so much of an impact? Well, when your skin is exposed to the sun, it produces a pigment called melanin.
Melanin gives your skin its color and is your body’s natural way of protecting itself from UV damage.
The more melanin your skin produces, the darker your skin will appear. That’s why people with lighter skin tones are typically more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage than those with darker skin tones, as their skin produces less melanin.
But despite the protective effects of melanin, over time, repeated exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the collagen and elastin in your skin.
These fibers are responsible for keeping your skin firm and elastic, and when they break down, your skin can start to sag and wrinkle.
Collagen is a protein that gives your skin its structure and elasticity. It’s found in the dermis, the second layer of your skin, and is responsible for keeping your skin smooth and firm.
When collagen fibers break down due to UV damage, your skin can start to lose its elasticity and firmness, resulting in sagging and wrinkles.
Elastin, on the other hand, is a protein that allows your skin to stretch and snap back into place. It’s also found in the dermis and helps your skin maintain its shape and structure.
Like collagen, elastin can be damaged by UV exposure, leading to decreased elasticity and increased wrinkles.
In addition to damaging collagen and elastin, UV rays can also cause other types of damage to your skin.
For instance, they can cause the formation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells and lead to premature aging.
UV exposure can also cause hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, as well as sunspots and other types of skin damage.
Surfers Tend to Develop More Wrinkles
Although everyone eventually develops wrinkles, people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors, such as surfers and other athletes, tend to develop wrinkly skin earlier than those who spend more time indoors.
Surfers, in particular, are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays for extended periods, typically during the hours when the sun is at its strongest — between 10 am and 4 pm.
End even when it’s cloudy or overcast, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and cause skin damage which makes it common for them to develop wrinkles at a younger age and at a faster rate than those who avoid direct sunlight.
But it’s not just the amount of time that surfers spend in the sun that makes them more prone to wrinkles.
It’s also a fact that many surfers don’t take adequate precautions to protect their skin from the sun.
For instance, they may not wear sunscreen or protective clothing, or they may not reapply sunscreen frequently enough.
This can leave their skin vulnerable to UV damage, increasing their risk of developing wrinkles, sunspots, and other types of skin damage.
Furthermore, surfing itself can also contribute to the development of wrinkles. I know this is something you wouldn’t like to hear, but repeated exposure to saltwater and wind can dry out the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Additionally, the facial expressions that surfers make while riding waves, such as squinting and furrowing their brows, can also contribute to the development of wrinkles over time.
The Protector’s Kit Against Wrinkles
The good news is that there are several things you can do to protect your skin from UV damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and they are so simple to follow.
Wear Sunscreen
This is probably the most obvious one, but it’s worth repeating. You have no idea how sunscreen can get one from zero to hero.
Be sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 before you grab your board and hit the waves, and reapply every two hours.
Cover Up
You might be tempted to show off those bulging muscles, but sometimes it’s wiser to cover up your body from potential UV damage.
Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved rashguards and hats to shield your skin from the sun. With the right rashguard, you’ll even look like a total pro surfer.
Seek Shade
Take breaks in the shade during peak sun hours to give your skin a break from the sun’s harmful rays, especially every now and then (great time to reapply sunscreen!).
Find yourself a cool spot under a beach umbrella or a nearby tree and give your skin some time to recover.
Stay Hydrated
Water, water, water. It’s the magical elixir that keeps our skin glowing and our bodies running smoothly.
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated, which can help prevent wrinkles. Plus, staying hydrated will help you avoid feeling like a dried-up raisin after a long day in the sun.
Final Thoughts
So generally yes, surfers can get wrinkles and they are more prone to that but just like anyone else who is regularly exposed to the sun.
By taking steps to protect your skin from the sun and following the tips we’ve outlined above, you can help prevent wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
So, next time you hit the waves, don’t forget to slather on sunscreen and cover up.
Your skin will thank you and primarily — your future you.