Sunscreen is a must-have on every vacation packing list and is used when temperatures are high and there is a lot of sun to prevent sunburn and protect us from long-term sun damage. Unfortunately, most people are not yet aware that sun protection is important even on cloudy days and all year round to prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun.
Sunscreen is definitely one of the most important and best anti-aging tipsWe often only realize this when it's already too late and the first age spots and premature wrinkles have appeared. We say: Enough is enough! Read on to learn how our skin reacts to the sun, what long-term damage can result from too much sun, and how you can prevent and treat it.
Sun and skin aging – how our skin reacts to the sun
As much as we need the sun to live, excessive UV radiation causes the skin to age faster. UVA rays, in particular, penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin, where they can form free radicals and lead to short- or long-term damage. UVB rays don't penetrate as deeply, but they cause acute problems such as red, burning skin after sun exposure, or even blisters – in which case you need to act quickly first aid for sunburnThis DNA damage can also lead to lasting sun damage to the skin. Therefore, sun protection that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is essential.
Photoaging – What is it?
Photoaging refers to the accelerated skin aging process caused by repeated, intense sun exposure. This leads to a loss of elasticity in the skin and the formation of wrinkles. The face, shoulders, and arms are most commonly affected by photoaging because they are particularly exposed to sunlight in the summer – resulting in age spots and wrinkled, leathery skin.
Photoaging results from the destruction of elastin and collagen, the essential structural proteins in the skin, by UV radiation. When the body.. Proteins When the body can no longer reproduce it in sufficient quantities, the process of premature skin aging begins.
Sun-induced skin aging: Long-term UV damage that can result
The consequences of excessive UV radiation can range from premature skin aging to serious health problems and diseases such as skin cancer. On a cosmetic level, premature skin aging can manifest as deep wrinkles, sagging skin, or hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation refers to dark spots on the skin's surface, caused by a disruption in the skin's pigmentation process MelaninThe hormone responsible for natural skin color is overproduced in some areas in cases of hyperpigmentation, resulting in dark, stubborn spots.
Your hands, face, and décolletage are particularly exposed to the sun's rays year-round, making them prone to hyperpigmentation and premature wrinkles. Therefore, these areas require special sun protection and extra care to maintain a youthful and fresh appearance for as long as possible.
The right skincare during the summer months
Excessive sun exposure is one of the extrinsic factors that accelerate skin aging. The good news is that we can react to external influences and thus mitigate their effects. In contrast, we have little to no control over intrinsic factors such as our genes, ethnicity, and hormonal changes during different phases of life.
Especially during the summer months, proper skincare can help prevent short- and long-term sun damage. But sun protection isn't just important in summer. UVA rays are present year-round and penetrate even clouds and glass, which is why you should use skincare products with SPF even on cloudy days.
Which sunscreen is the right one?
For natural skin protection, you should use mineral sunscreen, which reflects sunlight onto your skin, preventing it from absorbing UV radiation in the first place. Thus, a mineral sunscreen works physically rather than chemically. Furthermore, the nourishing additives in high-quality mineral sunscreen help care for your skin while you're in the sun and protect it from drying out. After sunbathing, a high-quality after-sun lotion is recommended, as it gently cools and provides the much-needed moisture. You should also consider products containing hyaluronic acid, collagen, vitamin C and other effective ingredients, integrate them into your skincare routine.
Tips for using sunscreen
When it's already too late: Treating long-term skin damage
Do you suffer from excessive wrinkles caused by the sun or struggle with age spots? Then we have good news for you, because even if the lasting effects of excessive sun exposure are already visible, you can have them treated and reduce their appearance in the long term. Among other things, the following are suitable: AquafacialMicroneedling and microdermabrasion are very good for giving your skin a younger and fresher appearance.
Aquafacial Aquafacial is a non-invasive treatment that cleanses and massages your skin, providing it with essential vitamins and acids. Among other benefits, Aquafacial combats dry and sagging skin. It can also reduce wrinkles and fade age spots and pigmentation marks.
Microneedling This is a natural and gentle way to achieve younger and smoother skin. By stimulating the skin's regenerative capacity, pigmentation disorders, wrinkles, and sun-damaged skin can be treated entirely without medical intervention.
Microdermabrasion It is one of the most effective exfoliation methods. By removing dead skin cells, your skin can regenerate new cells, leading to skin rejuvenation and a reduction in wrinkles. Age spots and pigmentation disorders can also be treated with it.
Sunlight and skin aging: Important tips for additional sun protection
Even though we can treat the long-term effects of UV radiation, prevention is better than cure. That's why we've compiled our most important sun protection tips for you.
The best way to prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun is to avoid excessive sun exposure. This can be achieved by consistently avoiding direct sunlight during midday, wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat and protective clothing, and generally seeking shade rather than direct sun. Of course, sunscreen with a high SPF is also essential. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming. It's also a good idea to use a daily moisturizer with UV protection, even on cloudy days.
Our sun protection tips at a glance
Besides excessive UV radiation, there are other factors that can positively or negatively affect our skin. Other external factors contributing to premature skin aging include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, medication, and an unhealthy diet. Therefore, avoiding these lifestyle habits can contribute to younger and healthier skin. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish, on the other hand, are powerful weapons against premature skin aging. You should also make sure to drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated beautiful skin from the inside to moisturize. However effective these methods are, they do not replace adequate sun protection and skincare.
Sun-induced skin aging – conclusion & tips
Photoaging is a problem you might only become aware of when it's already too late and the first age spots or premature wrinkles appear. But if you react quickly and take the right steps, you can counteract it and help your skin regain its radiance and youthful appearance. However, prevention is better than cure or follow-up treatment. Therefore, it's important to avoid excessive sun exposure, protect your skin from the sun as much as possible, and support its regeneration. This is best achieved with high-quality mineral sunscreens, which, thanks to their valuable ingredients, moisturize the skin even while you're sunbathing.
With our tips and products, you're guaranteed to get through the summer in good shape and can prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun!
Do you have questions about our natural products or our treatments such as Aquafacial, Microneedling or MicrodermabrasionThen feel free to take it right now Contact Join us and learn more!