Esthetics Core Written Practice Test

Excessive sun exposure primarily leads to premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. When the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, it undergoes various damaging changes.

Premature aging, also known as photoaging, manifests as wrinkles, age spots, and changes in skin texture. This is due to UV rays breaking down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. Sunburn occurs when the skin becomes inflamed and damaged from too much sun exposure, resulting in redness, peeling, and discomfort. Additionally, the DNA in skin cells can be damaged by UV radiation, leading to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

In contrast, options regarding improved skin elasticity, reduction in skin tone, and enhancement of skin moisture do not accurately reflect the effects of excessive sun exposure. Instead, they suggest unrealistic outcomes that may be misunderstood in the context of sun damage.