The sun is the source of energy that sustains life, but accumulated exposure without proper protection has negative consequences. The sun is responsible for the vast majority of visible ageing, according to new research – another reason to slather on the sun screen all year round.
The three main types of rays that damage our skin are UVA, UVB, and infrared rays, all of which have the ability to penetrate skin and cause damage to cells and DNA. On the surface, this damage manifests as fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and discoloration, but the most dangerous consequence beneath the surface is the risk of skin cancer rays accounted for 80 % of skin ageing, including wrinkles, in a study of almost 300 women – half sun-worshippers and half shy of the sun. The study also found that a two % increase in skin damage ages a face by three years.
To adequately shield skin from the sun, sunscreen needs to be a part of every daily routine. Options include physical UV-reflecting ingredients, chemical UV-absorbing ingredients, or a combination of both, but the most important thing to look for on a label is the term "broad spectrum". This indicates full coverage from the entire spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation, whereas SPF only measures the length of time one is protected from the UVB rays responsible for sunburn.
The three main types of rays that damage our skin are UVA, UVB, and infrared rays, all of which have the ability to penetrate skin and cause damage to cells and DNA. On the surface, this damage manifests as fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and discoloration, but the most dangerous consequence beneath the surface is the risk of skin cancer rays accounted for 80 % of skin ageing, including wrinkles, in a study of almost 300 women – half sun-worshippers and half shy of the sun. The study also found that a two % increase in skin damage ages a face by three years.
To adequately shield skin from the sun, sunscreen needs to be a part of every daily routine. Options include physical UV-reflecting ingredients, chemical UV-absorbing ingredients, or a combination of both, but the most important thing to look for on a label is the term "broad spectrum". This indicates full coverage from the entire spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation, whereas SPF only measures the length of time one is protected from the UVB rays responsible for sunburn.
This picture shows a long distance truck driver’s face - the
side exposed to excessive sun-damage is aged and lined by comparison to the
other side.
Research has shown that sunscreen alone does not provide adequate protection from environmental damage. A key finding shows that the average consumer does not apply enough sunscreen, therefore only obtaining up to half the protection stated on the bottle. Second, sunscreens only block 55%* of the free radicals generated by UV exposure. Finally, UV filters do not provide protection from damaging infrared radiation. For broad range protection against all sources of environmental skin insults, it’s imperative to use a topical antioxidant in conjunction with a daily sunscreen. SkinCeuticals offers eight antioxidant products that have been clinically proven to provide optimal protection from the damage caused by UV rays and other environmental factors.
Repeated exposure to too much sun over a number of years can cause damage to skin. The effects of sun damage include premature skin ageing and wrinkling
* Haywood, R., et al, J Invest Dermatol 2006;121:862-868
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