SKIN AGING & SUN EXPOSURE

Not only does time impact our skin but also external factors such as high levels of pollution, tobacco, stress, or sun exposure can alter our skin appearance and even its structure. In fact, the skin as a barrier organ is subject to lifelong exposure to a large variety of environmental factors.

Furthermore, global warming is now a fact and the increase of temperature across the World has dire consequences for our livelihood and of course a direct impact on our skin health.

What percent of aging is caused by the sun?

In a study involving 298 Caucasian women in Montpelier, south of France, the women were divided into two groups according to their habits regarding sun exposure:

• 157 women that actively looked for sun exposure (sun-seeking women)
• 141 women that avoided sun exposure (sun-phobic)

The investigation used women with different skin types: dry, oily, or combination and the study was also well-balanced across different phototypes.

Researchers found that the sun is greatly responsible (80%) for visible aging in a woman’s face. This highlights the importance f protecting your skin from the sun and expose yourself moderately.

Risks on the Skin

In fact, ultraviolet sunrays do considerable damage to your skin. That is why you need to protect your skin at all times. The risks of UV and sun exposure include:

• Depleting your skin’s natural oils
• Causing long-term changes in your skin
• Drying your skin out leads to flakiness and premature wrinkles
• Burning that causes blisters and bumps filled with fluid
• Bruising easily even from minor trauma
• Developing moles that can turn into skin cancer
• Leaving pigment changes, such as white spots on your arms and legs
• Creating age spots before their normal time

The most common result of overexposure to the sun is premature ageing, no matter your age. Other reactions to UV rays include:

• Crow’s feet
• Scars
• Frown lines
• Broken and thinning hair
• Accelerated nail growth can lead to increased fungal infections

Beware of sunburns

You know when you get sunburned because your skin becomes red and sensitive to the touch. However, sunburns are not always apparent and obvious. You might notice it at a later stage with the feeling of burn. Then, peeling often follows because your skin has been so dried out and damaged. Other symptoms of sun damage are far subtler, which is why you must maintain regular check-ups.

When you feel unusual bumps or when parts of your skin that have been exposed to the sun are itchier and drier than normal, you may be in the early stages of serious sun damage. You may also experience tougher skin, deeper lines, and easier bruising on those areas that get the most sun.

Repairing damages on your skin caused by sun damage

It is never too late to start taking care of your skin! Start taking the right steps now to protect from UV rays, repair existing damage and correct the visible signs of aging.

Skin damage is a serious condition that is, however, preventable if you take the right precautions. We recommend:

• Always wear sunscreen that is water-resistant with a sun protection factor (SPF30 or more)
• Apply sunscreen every time of the year, whether it’s sunny or overcast.
• Wear protective clothing and hats to keep the damaging rays off your skin.
• Coat your lips with protective lip balm.
• Wear sunglasses with built-in UV ray protection.
• And limit the amount of time you spend in the sun whenever you can.

What are the signs of photoaging?

Natural aging is caused by the passing of time. On the other hand, photoaging happens when UVA/UVB light from the sun permanently damages the skin’s structure.

Signs of photodamage begin in the late teens to early twenties. Symptoms include the following:

• Wrinkles
• Pigmentation changes (e.g.: age spots, freckles, and liver spots)
• Decreased skin elasticity
• Uneven and rougher skin texture
• Broken capillaries (often around the nose or chest)
• Redness

What causes photoaging?

Ultraviolet radiation causes DNA changes in the skin that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

Here below are the two kinds of UV light:

UVA light. This form of solar radiation damages skin at all levels—from the epidermis down deep into the dermis. Within those skin layers, several parts are affected, including collagen and elastin fibers. Consequently, the skin loses its youthful tautness and elasticity, as well as epidermal cells and tiny blood vessels called capillaries.

UVB light. This type of solar radiation irradiates the outer layer of the skin. UVB damages DNA (in the epidermis and can cause photoaging, as well as the formation of precancerous cells.

Who can be affected by photoaging?

Everyone is susceptible to photoaging. This said the degree of photodamage depends on how long you have been exposed to unprotected sun exposure over time. In addition, it also depends on your skin type and geographical factors. In general, lighter skin is more susceptible than darker skin.

We often use the Fitzpatrick’s Scale to determine skin’s phototype and assess photodamage risk:

• Type 1—Pale skin, light-colored eyes, blond or red hair. Always burns and does not tan.

• Type II—Fair skin with light-colored eyes. Can Burn easily but can possibly tan.

• Type III—Medium-light skin that initially burns but then tans.

• Type IV—Light brown skin that tans with minimal burning.

• Type V—Medium brown skin that rarely burns.

• Type VI—Dark brown or black skin that tans easily and never burns.

Whatever your skin colour, protect your skin as you can get photodamage even without sunburns.

At Nar London, Harley Street, we offer a wide range of skin rejuvenating treatments such as:

1. PLATELET-RICH PLASMA
2. PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN
3. PRX-T33
4. PROFHILO
5. DERMAL FILLERS
6. NUCLEOFILL
7. MEDIK8 FACIALS

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