Sun damage and skin ageing.

 

Our pale Irish skin is particularly vulnerable to sun exposure & sun damage, and unfortunately for many of us the damage has already been done in our teenage years and in our 20’s.

 Understanding Sun Damage

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is composed of three wavelengths – UVA, UVB and UVC.

 UVA and UVB play different roles when it comes to tanning, burning, and photo ageing.

Needless to say Tanning beds are to be avoided at all costs.



About UVA Radiation

UVA rays account for up to 95 % of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent. They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause collagen damage and wrinkling and lines, sagging and premature ageing; also playing a role in skin cancer.

About UVB Radiation

UVB is in the middle range of the ultraviolet spectrum. It is responsible for burning, tanning, accelerating skin ageing and also plays a key role in the development of skin cancer.

UVB tends to cause damage in more superficial skin layers and its intensity varies by season, location and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits between 10 am and 4 pm. UVB rays do not penetrate glass.

 Overexposure to it causes tough, dry pigmented skin and uneven texture, and is found in many Irish people who have exposed themselves to the sun without proper sun protection.



About UVC Radiation

UVC is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not affect the skin.

Sunscreen is the most valuable cosmetic product that one can use regularly to prevent early sun damage of the skin.

 The sun produces both UVA and UVB radiations which can cause sun tan, sunburn on exposed areas. Even a single exposure can lead to painful, red sunburned skin, as Irish people know from experience!

 Long term sun exposure can cause photo ageing, wrinkles, freckles, age spots and a change in the texture of the skin.

 A good sunscreen should be broad spectrum and protect against UVB and UVA; be waterproof; non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog your pores) and often re-applied.

A sunscreen should be used through the year and not only in summer months. It is a myth, that sun protection is not needed on a cloudy day; such a day will only have 20% less UV radiation.



 

Most foundations or moisturisers contain some element of SPF, as we are exposed to damaging rays all year. SPF only protects against UVB rays as UVA rays cannot be measured so look for a product with a broad spectrum high protection such as Skinceutical or La Roche Posay.