UV exposure makes your skin age faster – here’s why (& how to slow it down!)
The most obvious signs of aging first appear on the skin, which is why we are eager to eliminate the appearance of these signs through anti-aging treatments and products.
We tend to accept that wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation naturally occur as we age, but the main culprit behind accelerated aging is actually damage caused by UV exposure. Dermatologists commonly refer to this damage as photoaging. Responsible for 90 percent of visible changes to the skin, photoaging is a direct result of cumulative UV damage throughout your life.
Is it possible to totally slow down photoaging, considering that light is around us all the time? The good news is that it is completely possible to slow down photoaging – the key to doing so is understanding how and why photoaging happens.
How photoaging happens
The dermis layer in the skin contains collagen, elastin, and other fibers that give skin its smooth and youthful appearance. When these elements are damaged by UV radiation, it results in photoaging.
UV radiation that affects the skin is composed of UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the main culprit behind sunburn; on the other hand, UVA rays, with their longer wavelength, are responsible for much of the damage associated with photoaging.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they damage the collagen fibers. This damage causes increased production of abnormal elastin, which in turn result in the production of enzymes that often malfunction and degrade the collagen. As this process repeats with regular UVA exposure, the breakdown of collagen and elastin creates skin that is wrinkled and leathery, which is what we associate with aging skin.
While sunlight is the number one cause of skin aging, about 10 percent of damage is also attributed to blue light. Blue light, which is part of the spectrum of visible light, comes from sun exposure and digital devices like computers and cell phones. It has been found to contribute to signs of photoaging, including hyperpigmentation and breakdown of collagen, which leads to wrinkles and skin laxity.
Signs of photoaging
Photoaging typically appears on the face, neck, and back of the hands, as these body parts are frequently exposed to the sun.
Common signs of photoaging include the following:
- Pigmented spots, such as freckles and age spots
- Loss of skin tone in sun-exposed areas e.g. dull and uneven skin, fine & deep lines
- Redness and blotchiness
- General dryness and rough skin texture
- Rough scaly spots called actinic keratoses
- Broken capillaries (spider veins)
How to slow down photoaging
Now that we understand that aging is hugely attributed to UV damage, how do we slow down this process to keep our skin looking youthful?
Since it is impossible for us to completely avoid UV rays and blue light, one of the best ways to slow down photoaging is proper sun care. This includes putting on broad-spectrum sunscreen and remembering to reapply it every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating.
Many medical professionals highly recommend Heliocare’s topical sunscreen range for its high coverage against UVA & UVB rays in the market. Heliocare sunscreens are formulated with an optimal combination of high-quality filters that are well-distributed within the products to ensure uniform protection.
If you have skin that is dehydrated by photoaging and need a moisturising sunscreen, you will love the Heliocare 360º Water Gel SPF 50+ with its ultra-light aqueous gel formulation that provides long-lasting hydration. For a lighter texture, try the Heliocare Ultra Gel SPF 50+, which applies smoothly on skin for maximum comfort and sun protection.
Signs of photoaging are frequently found on areas not fully covered by clothes or sunscreen, which is why it is important to supplement your sun care regime with oral supplements like Heliocare 360º Capsule. This oral supplement, formulated with Fernblock®+ and other ingredients like prebiotics, cystine, vitamins B3, C & E, prevents visible photoaging signs such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and loss of skin firmness.
How to reverse photoaging
If you’ve noticed signs of photoaging appear and want to find ways to remove them, fret not: it’s not as impossible as it seems, as there are effective treatments targeted at tightening skin and lightening hyperpigmentation.
The Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240 is a must-have if you’re looking to boost your anti-aging skincare routine. Exclusively formulated with Fernblock® and White Tech Complex, Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240 is well-loved for its abilities to slow skin ageing and control pigmentation from inside out.
For those whose main aging woe is pigmentation, you’ll love the NEORETIN Serum Booster Fluid – a powerful retinol product containing patented RetinSphere® Technology and 9 other depigmenting active ingredients to target every stage of melanin production. It has been clinically proven to not just lighten existing pigmentation, but also improve skin roughness and moisturisation with increased collagen production. Clinical trials have also showed that NEORETIN is well-tolerated by the skin, making it suitable to be used in the long term to reverse signs of photoaging with no known side effects.
Ready to slow down photoaging but don’t know what’s best for you? Feel free to drop us an email at enquiry@heliocare.com.sg!
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