Did you know that sun exposure can cause photoaging?! While the sun provides us with vitamin D and a sense of well-being, it can also cause irreversible damage such as wrinkles and spots that only become visible as the years pass.
Understanding what photoaging is, its causes, and its consequences will help ward off the condition. In this article, you’ll learn about photoaging and we’ll provide tips for enjoying the sun while protecting your skin!
The Sun’s Silent Damage: What is Photoaging?
Photoaging is the result of accelerated skin tissue degradation caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays and high-energy visible (HEV) light. Solar radiation is the main culprit of premature skin aging. When it penetrates the skin, it damages proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Solar radiation is composed of different types of rays, each having distinct properties and producing different symptoms of photoaging.
UVA Rays
- Penetrate deeply into the skin, causing long-term damage
- Damage proteins like collagen, elastin, and DNA, leading to photoaging and an increased risk of various types of skin cancer
- Are present all year round, even on cloudy days
- Can pass through windows
UVB Rays
- Affect the most superficial layer of the skin, causing short-term damage such as sunburn or tanning
- Contribute less to photoaging, but are up to 1,000 times more harmful than UVA rays due to their cumulative energy
- Intensity varies depending on the season and time of day
- Do not pass through windows
HEV Rays (High-Energy Visible Light)
- Part of the visible light spectrum, with enough energy to penetrate deeply into the skin
- Cause oxidative stress, cell damage, and premature skin aging
- Are emitted by the sun, electronic devices, and LED lights
Causes and Effects of Photoaging
Photoaging is often called a "silent enemy" because the damage caused today may only become noticeable 10 to 20 years later. The primary cause of premature aging is cumulative damage from prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection, as the skin has a "memory" that retains the effects of UV radiation over time.
Solar radiation penetrates all three layers of the skin, damaging cellular DNA, collagen, elastin, and other proteins essential for a healthy, youthful appearance. This leads to weakened, wrinkled skin, as well as premature hyperpigmentation and conditions like melasma.
Photoaging occurs when cells absorb photons from the sun's rays. UVB rays directly damage cellular DNA, potentially leading to skin cancer, while UVA rays indirectly cause harm by generating free radicals and inducing oxidative stress.
Photoaging vs. Normal Aging: What’s the Difference?
Skin ages in two distinct ways: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. While both types share some common characteristics, such as a loss of elasticity and the formation of wrinkles, they differ significantly in their causes and manifestations. Understanding these differences is key to making informed decisions about skin care and protection.
Intrinsic Aging (Natural)
This gradual aging process occurs naturally and inevitably over time. Chronological, genetic, and physiological factors, such as hormonal changes during menopause, cause it. The visible characteristics of intrinsic aging are:
- Drier skin: Sebaceous glands reduce oil production
- Fine wrinkles: Expression lines appear near the eyes, mouth, and neck
- Volume loss: The skin appears thin due to the loss of collagen, fat, and elastin
While a healthy lifestyle can decelerate intrinsic aging, there is no known way of halting it completely.
Extrinsic Aging (Premature)
Extrinsic aging refers to premature aging caused by external factors such as UV exposure, pollution, weather conditions, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Notably, 90% of the visible signs of premature aging are caused by prolonged sun exposure without protection.
The good news is that the battle against photoaging is winnable because it is largely preventable. While intrinsic aging is inevitable and can only be slowed, sun-induced damage is within our control. By taking the right precautions, we can prevent premature and irreversible harm caused by UV rays.
The Signs and Symptoms of Skin Photoaging
The primary signs of skin photoaging are often seen in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, décolletage, back of the hands, and forearms. These areas typically exhibit the following visible characteristics of photoaging:
- Rough texture: The skin becomes uneven, rough, and dull.
- Loss of elasticity: The skin loses firmness, becoming saggy.
- Deep wrinkles: Thick and noticeable wrinkles. According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), sun exposure causes 75% of wrinkles.
- Solar lentigines: Brown spots ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size. Often called “age spots,” they should be evaluated periodically to prevent potential complications.
- Melasma: Brown plaques or patches appearing on the face. While often linked to hormonal changes, melasma can be caused by genetics and worsened by UV ray exposure.
- Solar elastosis: A thickening and loss of skin elasticity, causing deep yellowish furrows. This condition gives the skin an appearance similar to arid soil and is one of the most visible effects of photoaging.
- Actinic keratosis: Reddish, dry spots, sometimes with crusts. These lesions are precancerous and may develop into skin cancer.
- Erythema: Inflammation from unprotected sun exposure, characterized by redness, burning, and increased skin temperature.
- Senile purpura: Purple spots appearing in older adults due to dermal atrophy caused by sun exposure. These spots, ranging from 0.4 to 2 inches, are commonly found on the backs of the hands and forearms.
- Favre-Racouchot disease: A skin disorder caused by smoking and solar radiation, characterized by multiple open comedones around the eye area.
Sun Protection 101: Essential Tips to Prevent Photoaging
We can prevent the effects of photoaging by controlling our sun exposure and taking care of our skin. Apply the following tips to your daily routine to prevent premature sun damage:
1. Use Sunscreen Year Round
Apply sunscreen during daylight hours 365 days a year, even when it’s cloudy. UV radiation is more potent during the summer, so you’ll need to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours depending on the SPF, level of sun exposure, or activity you’re doing. There are sunscreens on the market with physical and chemical filters; choose the one that best suits your skin’s needs and your preferences.
What to look for when choosing a sunscreen:
- SPF of 30 or higher (choose based on your skin phototype)
- UVA and UVB filters
- Broad-spectrum protection to combat oxidative stress caused by high-energy visible light (HEV)
2. Consider Sun Protection Supplements
Sun protection supplements can enhance the photoprotective effects of topical sunscreens and help protect the skin from the inside. However, they should not be considered a replacement for sunscreen. Most combine vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that work together to improve skin appearance, heal sun damage more quickly, and reduce the signs of photoaging.
What to look for:
- Main compound with photoprotective properties, such as Polypodium Leucotomos
- Key ingredients that offer multiple skin benefits, like beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamins C and E
- Proper concentration of ingredients to ensure effectiveness
- Natural ingredients without additives (preferably vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free)
For more guidance, on finding a good supplement, check out: How to Reverse Sun Damage: Best Supplements and Skincare – 360 Sun Shield
3. Apply the Correct Amount of Sunscreen
For sunscreen to work effectively, it’s essential to apply the correct amount. Otherwise, the photoprotective effect will be reduced. A simple trick is to draw two finger-length lines of sunscreen to cover the face, ears, and neck. Don’t forget other exposed areas such as the chest, arms, shoulders, backs of hands, back of the neck, and scalp (in cases of baldness). The suggested amount of sunscreen for all exposed skin ranges from 0.5 to 1 ounce, a measurement that can vary according to your height.
What to look for:
- Products with pleasant textures, so you feel comfortable even with a thick layer of product
4. Reapply Sunscreen Regularly
Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time as it’s absorbed into the skin, washed off by sweat, or rubbed off by clothing, which reduces its photoprotection capacity. For this reason, it’s important to reapply sunscreen punctually and rigorously. The SPF will determine how often you should reapply: every 2 hours for SPF 30 and every 4 hours for SPF 50. However, when the UV index is high, you’re exposed to intense sun, or you’re doing outdoor activities, reapply every 2 hours regardless of the protection factor.
What to look for:
- If you wear makeup, consider stick or powder sunscreens for easy reapplication
5. Use Clothing and Accessories with UV Protection
UV-protective clothing and accessories are versatile and practical tools to complement the sun protection provided by sunscreens and sun supplements. They act as shields that block a large part of the UV rays that would damage the skin, helping to prevent many of the visible signs of sun damage. These accessories are designed with special fibers that reflect or absorb UV rays, making them comfortable to use all year round. The level of protection is measured by the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which indicates the amount of radiation the fabric blocks.
What to look for:
- Clothing, sunglasses, and umbrellas with UPF 50 certification
6. Apply an After-Sun Product
After-sun products are specially formulated to be applied to skin exposed to UV rays. Their main function is to hydrate, refresh, soothe, and repair skin that has suffered the effects of sun exposure. After-sun products are used as photoaging treatments because they help with skin recovery and minimize the damage caused by free radicals.
What to look for:
- Textures suitable for your skin type
- Ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, gotu kola, and shea butter
Aging is inevitable, but having healthy, radiant skin is in your hands. Protecting your skin from the sun will help prevent premature photoaging and the development of serious conditions such as melanoma or actinic keratosis.
Understanding the types of sun rays and the signs of skin photoaging is important because it will help you follow the advice we’ve provided. Remember that sunscreen, sun protection supplements, and a comprehensive photoprotection routine will be your best allies in maintaining healthy skin.
Start taking care of your skin today and protect your future!