Sunscreen is definitely among the most important and best anti-ageing tips! We often only realise this when it is already too late and the first pigmentation spots and premature wrinkles have formed. We say: enough of that! Read on to find out how our skin reacts to sun, what long-term damage too much sun can cause, and how you can prevent and treat it.
Sun and skin ageing—how our skin reacts to sun
As much as we need the sun for life, excessive UV radiation makes skin age faster. UVA rays in particular penetrate into the lower layers of skin, can form free radicals there, and cause short- or long-term damage. UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply, but they cause acute problems such as red, burning skin after sun exposure or even blisters—then you quickly need first aid for sunburn. Through this DNA damage, they too can lead to persistent sun damage to the skin. It is therefore important to use sun protection that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Photoaging—what is it?
Photoaging describes the process of accelerated skin ageing caused by repeated, intense sun exposure. This causes skin to lose elasticity and wrinkles to form. The face, shoulders and arms are most commonly affected by photoaging because they are especially exposed to sunlight in summer—the consequences are pigmentation spots and wrinkled, creased skin, colloquially called “leathery skin”.
Photoaging results from UV radiation destroying elastin and collagen, the essential structural proteins in the skin. When the body can no longer reproduce these proteins in sufficient quantities, the process of premature skin ageing begins.
Skin ageing caused by sun: Long-term UV damage that can result
The consequences of excessive UV rays can range from premature skin ageing to serious health problems and diseases such as skin cancer. On a cosmetic level, premature skin ageing can appear as pronounced wrinkles, a sagging complexion or hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation means dark spots on the skin surface caused by a disruption in the skin’s pigmentation process. The pigment melanin, which is responsible for natural skin colour, is overproduced in some places in hyperpigmentation, creating dark, persistent spots.
Your hands, face and décolletage in particular are exposed to rays all year round and are therefore susceptible to hyperpigmentation and premature wrinkles from sun. For this reason, these areas need special sun protection and an extra portion of care to keep them looking young and fresh for as long as possible.
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Causes of skin ageing caused by sun
Too much sun exposure is one of the extrinsic factors that make our skin age faster. The good news is that we can respond to external influences and thereby mitigate the consequences. In contrast, we have no or only little influence on intrinsic factors such as our genes, ethnic origin and hormonal changes during different stages of life.
Especially in the summer months, the right skincare can prevent short- and long-term consequences. But sun protection is not only important in summer. UVA rays are present all year round and even penetrate clouds and window glass, so you should use selected skincare products with SPF even when skies are overcast.
How to protect your skin from sun damage
For natural protection of your skin, use mineral sunscreen, which reflects sunlight on your skin so that it does not absorb UV radiation in the first place. Mineral sunscreen thus works physically rather than chemically. In addition, the nourishing additives in high-quality mineral sunscreen help care for skin while sunbathing and keep it from drying out. After sun exposure, a high-quality after-sun lotion is recommended, as it gently cools and provides the moisture that is urgently needed now. You should also integrate selected products containing hyaluronic acid, collagen, vitamin C and other effective ingredients into your skincare routine to support the regeneration of sun-damaged skin.
- When selecting sunscreen, consider your individual skin type; if necessary, determine your skin type, and prefer mineral sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen about half an hour before sun exposure
- Apply sun protection generously, because small amounts can reduce its protective performance
- Reapply cream several times to maintain the SPF
- Before swimming, let it absorb for 20–30 minutes and reapply after being in the water
- After sunbathing, use an after-sun lotion with nourishing ingredients
When it is already too late: Treating long-term skin damage
Do you suffer from excessive wrinkles caused by sun or struggle with pigmentation spots? Then we have good news: even if lasting consequences of excessive sun exposure are already visible, you can have them treated and mitigate them in the long term. Among other things, Aquafacial, microneedling and microdermabrasion are very suitable for helping your skin achieve a younger, fresher appearance.
Aquafacial is a non-invasive treatment in which your skin is cleansed, massaged and supplied with important vitamins and acids. Aquafacial works, among other things, against dry and sagging skin. It can also reduce wrinkles and remove age and pigmentation spots.
Microneedling is a natural, gentle way to achieve younger, smoother skin. By stimulating the skin’s regenerative ability, pigmentation disorders, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin can be treated without medical intervention.
Microdermabrasion is one of the most effective exfoliation methods. Removing dead skin cells allows your skin to form new cells, leading to skin rejuvenation and reduced wrinkles. Age spots and pigmentation disorders can also be treated with it.
Sun rays and skin ageing: Important tips for additional sun protection
Even if we can treat the long-term consequences of UV rays, prevention is better than aftercare. That is why we have compiled our most important tips for sun protection for you.
The best remedy against premature skin ageing caused by sun is to avoid excessive sun exposure. You can do this by consistently avoiding direct sunlight at midday, wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat and protective clothing, and generally preferring shade to direct sun. Of course, sunscreen with a high UV protection factor is also necessary. After being in the water, remember to refresh your sun protection. It is also worthwhile to use day care with UV protection even in cloudy weather.
Source: Apostolos Vamvouras/unsplash
Our sun protection tips at a glance
- Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially at midday
- Do not go outside without UV protection, whatever the weather
- Apply cream again after swimming
- Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat
- Wear protective clothing
- Prefer shade to blazing sun
Besides excessive UV rays, other factors can positively or negatively influence our skin. Further external factors in premature skin ageing are smoking, increased alcohol consumption, stress, medication and an unhealthy diet. By avoiding these lifestyle habits, you can contribute to younger, healthier skin. Vegetables, fruit, nuts and fish, on the other hand, are wonder weapons against premature skin ageing. You should also make sure to drink enough water and moisturise your beautiful skin from within. As effective as these methods are, they do not replace adequate sun protection and skincare.
Skin ageing caused by sun—conclusion and tips
Photoaging is a problem you may only become aware of when it is actually already too late and the first pigmentation spots or premature fine lines are visible. But if you react quickly and take the right measures, you can counteract it and help your skin regain radiance and youthfulness. Yet prevention is better than cure or aftercare. For this reason, it is important to avoid excessive sun exposure, protect your skin from the sun as well as possible and support its regeneration. The best way to do this is with high-quality mineral sun protection products, whose valuable ingredients moisturise skin while you sunbathe.
With our tips and products, you are guaranteed to get through the summer well and prevent premature skin ageing caused by sun!
Do you have questions about our natural products or treatments such as Aquafacial, microneedling or microdermabrasion? Contact us now and find out more!