Underestimated effect of the sun – skin changes and damage avoided
Everyone now 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 aging. The so-called UVA rays from the sun are primarily responsible for this and protection against these unfortunately works differently than protection against sunburn. Here you will find out everything you need to know to protect your skin from UV damage.
Skin aging is accelerated by the sun
The sun is the main cause of premature and accelerated skin aging on several levels:
- UV radiation can damage the collagen and elastin fibers that are responsible for the skin's strength and elasticity.
- Sunlight promotes the production of melanin, which can lead to uneven pigmentation, age spots and freckles.
- Radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, which can affect the skin's ability to repair itself.
- Long and frequent exposure to the sun leads to what is known as photoaging. This form of accelerated skin aging is characterized by a thickened, leathery skin structure and deep wrinkles.
- The sun strips the skin of moisture and natural oils. This can lead to increased dryness, roughness, a disrupted skin barrier and an overall deterioration in skin texture.
- In addition, UV radiation can lead to an increase and dilation of small blood vessels. This makes it easier for redness and “broken capillaries” to occur on the face.
By the way: These negative effects and the increased risk of skin cancer are not only caused by the sun, but also by excessive visits to the solarium.
The differences between UVA and UVB rays from the sun
The sun's UV radiation consists of two main different types: UVA rays and UVB rays. For a long time, the focus was primarily on UVB rays, but the effect of UVA rays should not be underestimated. These differences exist:
UVB radiation
- UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer.
- They also stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that makes the skin tan.
- UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply into the skin and primarily affect the top layers of the skin.
- They are particularly strong in sunny weather. In cloudy weather, in the shade and indoors, only a small amount of UVB radiation penetrates the skin.
UVA radiation
- Although UVA rays do not cause sunburn, they can massively accelerate skin aging and lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin sagging and cell damage.
- They penetrate deeper into the skin and also reach the middle layers of the skin.
- What many people don't know: UVA rays are almost independent of the weather and the season. Even in dull weather in the middle of winter, a lot of UVA rays still penetrate and can damage the skin.
- Even indoors, we are not “safe” from harmful rays: they penetrate window glass much more easily than UVB rays.
The most important measure to prevent skin aging caused by the sun
To prevent the sun's UV radiation from damaging your skin, daily sun protection is crucial. Most people only use sunscreen when they want to go outside when the weather is clear. However, this is far from enough to protect against skin aging. If you want to prevent skin aging, you should apply a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to your face every day, all year round. Make sure your sunscreen also protects against UVA rays!
Our “SUN” product line offers perfect protection and good care. In this series you will find everything you need for good sun protection on your face and body. For the face and sensitive skin, we particularly recommend our product “DR SUN Age Repair Protection SPF 50+”. It contains effective broad-spectrum UV protection and also pampers the skin with valuable anti-aging ingredients. The Sun series also includes other high-quality products, from waterproof sun cream for the body to regenerating masks and lotions for sun-stressed skin.
