We all know that the sun burns us, but it causes far more damage to our skin than we’re prepared to acknowledge. Missing a certain spot with sun
cream or being caught off-guard with suddenly brighter weather turns us a little pink in places, but your daily exposure to the sun has a far more
cumulative damage potential. Because we’re constantly exposed to the sun in different concentrations, it isn’t just these sporadic sun-bathing sessions
that damage us. These added up, however, accompanied by simply walking in the sun every day cause long-term development of the signs of ageing. Sun
damage and ageing occur because the sun’s rays change the ways certain processes work within our skin, penetrating further than the superficial layer
of burn or tan. So, how does sun damage cause ageing? What does the sun really do to your skin?
Sun damage and ageing skin
Ageing skin through sun damage, or photoaging, is the visible sign of premature or accelerated skin ageing. This includes most notably the development
of wrinkles, volume loss, and loss of structure in the skin. Sagging and wrinkled skin are indications of sun damage in deeper layers of the tissue.
Collagen and elastin are essential to keeping your skin firm and flexible, so when the sun’s rays begin to break down these proteins it causes sagging
and falling skin. This thinning also encourages the development of wrinkles in expressive areas. The UVA rays from the sun penetrate the superficial
layer of the skin, known as the dermis, and damage the collagen present. Our body tries to prevent this, but actually, this prevention worsens the degradation
of the proteins. After frequent and prolonged exposure, sagging and folding become visible. The most important thing to remember when aiming to prevent
this kind of loss of volume, structure, and firmness is to wear broad-spectrum sun protection. Over time, this kind of damage builds and builds until
it is noticeable on your skin. You may not notice the changes as they are gradual, but their result will stand in stark contrast to young-looking,
healthy, protected skin.
Hyperpigmentation and sunspots
Hyperpigmentation and sunspots occur when the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, causing inflammation in the skin. Your skin’s response
as early as the first exposure, i.e. as soon as you step outside, and repeatedly exposing your unprotected skin to the sun drastically increase it.
Reacting to the inflammation, our body produces hormones to lessen it which encourages the production of excess melanin in the skin. This melanin is
used to neutralise the damage occurring with the skin already, but over the years and with frequent exposure the hormones that activate this production
remain active. They permanently work to darken the skin, creating patches of dark and uneven hyperpigmentation as well as photoaging. Sunspots develop
in much the same way, they just represent a cluster of damaged skin cells in local areas and are mostly found on commonly exposed areas like the arms,
chest, and face.
Treating the visible signs of sun damage
Prevention before treatment is always something we’d strongly advise. Use broad-spectrum sun protection, which means it covers both UVA and UVB rays.
Use this protection as frequently as necessary and whenever you’re exposed to the sun for long periods. Walking the dog, sitting at the pub, gardening,
and running errands are all times when we’re exposed to the sun but don’t consider the damage it does. These small doses add up and top-up any existing
damage, with longer periods of exposure putting us at higher risk.
Treating sun damage, on the other hand, can be done with certain treatments and professional skincare ranges. For example, cosmeceutical skincare such
as ZO Skin Health is specifically formulated to support the development of healthy skin. It prompts your skin cells into nourishing, repair, and maintain themselves.
This means addressing hyperpigmentation, promoting younger-looking skin, and encouraging overall vibrancy. A consultation is needed for this seriously
scientific skincare because of its high potency of ingredients, but it has been known to work wonders for clients.
For concerns like age spots, IPL treatments have been very popular and equally as successful. The dark pigment of the spots absorbs the laser light, breaking up the pigment within the skin and
flushing it away. This leads to a more even skin tone and is suitable for use on both the face and body.
Book online today
Because the sun does so much more than burn you, you need to keep a trained eye on changes in your skin. Prevention is always the first step, but if you’re
noticing the changes in your skin already then of course Aesthetic Medispa in Essex and Rickmansworth will help. Enquire online today to book your consultation with one of our skin experts.