The underestimated power of the sun
How to effectively prevent skin ageing and damage
By now, everyone knows that UV radiation can cause sunburn. It is also widely known that the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer. However, another effect of the sun is completely underestimated: the acceleration of skin ageing. This is primarily caused by the sun’s so-called UVA rays, and unfortunately, protection against these works differently from protection against sunburn. Here you can find out everything you need to know to protect your skin from UV damage.
How the sun accelerates skin ageing
The sun is the main cause of early and accelerated skin ageing, and this is true on several levels:
- UV radiation can damage the collagen and elastin fibres that are responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
- Sunlight stimulates the production of melanin, which can lead to uneven pigmentation, age spots and freckles.
- The radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, which can impair the skin’s ability to repair itself.
- Long and frequent stay in the sun leads to what is known as photoageing. This form of accelerated skin ageing is characterised by a thickened, leathery skin texture and deep wrinkles.
- The sun strips the skin of moisture and natural oils. This can lead to increased dryness, roughness, a compromised skin barrier and a general deterioration in skin texture.
- In addition, UV radiation can cause small blood vessels to dilate and increase in number. This makes the face more prone to redness and ‘broken capillaries’.
By the way: these negative effects, as well as the increased risk of skin cancer, are not limited to exposure to the sun, but also apply to excessive use of the solarium.
The differences between UVA and UVB-
The sun’s UV radiation consists of two main types: UVA rays and UVB rays. For a long time, the focus was primarily on UVB rays, yet the effects of UVA rays in particular should not be underestimated. The differences are as follows:
UVB radiation
- UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer.
- They also stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that causes the skin to tan.
- UVB rays do not penetrate the skin as deeply and mainly affect the outer layers of the skin.
- They are particularly strong in sunny weather. In cloudy weather, in the shade and indoors, very little UVB radiation reaches the skin.
UVA radiation
- Although UVA rays do not cause sunburn, they can significantly accelerate skin ageing and lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin and cell damage.
- They penetrate deeper into the skin and reach the middle layers as well.
- What many people don’t know is that UVA rays are almost unaffected by the weather or the time of year. Even on overcast days in the middle of winter, a significant amount of UVA rays still penetrate the atmosphere and can damage the skin.
- Even indoors, we are not ‘safe’ from these harmful rays: they penetrate window glass much more easily than UVB rays.
The most important step in preventing sun-induced skin ageing
To prevent the sun’s UV rays from damaging your skin, daily sun protection is absolutely essential. Most people only use sun cream when they plan to go outside in sunny weather. However, this is not nearly enough to protect against skin ageing. If you want to prevent skin ageing, you should apply a high SPF sun cream to your face every day, all year round. Make sure your sun cream also protects against UVA rays!
Our product range „Pure Sun offers perfect protection and excellent skincare. In this range, you’ll find everything you need for effective sun protection for your face and body. For the face and for sensitive skin, we particularly recommend our “Pure Sun CREAM FACE SPF 50+”. It provides effective broad-spectrum UV protection and also nourishes the skin with valuable anti-ageing ingredients. The Sun range also includes other high-quality products, from waterproof sun cream for the body to regenerating masks and lotions for sun-stressed skin.
