Exposure to the sun has been scientifically linked to premature ageing. Here’s the science, and what to do about it
Every month there seems to be a trendy new product to add to your skincare collection. Lately, a product that many people already use has taken the top spot, with everyone from dermatologists to influencers swearing by it as the number one way to stay looking youthful through the years – sunscreen.
It’s no wonder.
It’s thought that solar exposure – also known as photoageing – causes up to 80% of skin ageing. So if you’re someone who’s worried about fine lines, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation, limiting the amount of solar radiation you get is one of the most important things you can do.
There are thought to be a number of different triggers for photoageing. Most research has linked it to the expression of a group of proteins called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
These proteins are enzymes that break down elastins and collagens in the skin’s deeper layer (called the dermis). Elastins and collagens are responsible for the skin’s structure, strength and stretchiness.
Expression of these MMP proteins has been linked to both DNA damage in skin cells and the production of reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species are highly reactive chemicals formed from oxygen that can damage other cellular components, such as DNA and proteins.
Both of these factors are caused by too much sun exposure. Over time, this damage accumulates to cause characteristic signs of ageing. This may explain why one study even showed people who tended to avoid the sun had significantly fewer signs of ageing compared to people who enjoyed spending time in the sun.
But it isn’t always possible to avoid the sun – which is where sunscreens help.
mamabella | mamabella Sunscreen products contain ingredients (such as zinc oxide) which absorb or reflect UV radiation and dissipate it safely before it can damage our skin cells. This also reduces the cumulative dose of radiation received by the skin.
Studies have shown that sunscreens can prevent many signs of photoageing by tackling the triggers, with numerous studies showing they can prevent the expression of MMPs. A study that compared the effects of using sunscreen versus placebo on skin ageing, found that people in the placebo group had higher levels of solar elastosis (a sign of photoageing which causes a loss of elasticity) after two years.
An Australian study compared levels of photoageing in groups assigned to daily sunscreen use versus discretionary sunscreen use.
In the daily sunscreen use group, there was no detectable increase in skin ageing over the four-and-a-half-year study period compared to the discretionary sunscreen group. Another study has also shown daily sunscreen use for a year may reverse visible signs of ageing when assessed by a dermatologist.
FURTHER READING: Best sunscreen for face UK: Which face sunscreen is best for your skin type and budget? | What is SPF and why is it so important?
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The best sunscreen for face comes down largely to personal preference. But in general, the higher the SPF, the greater protection you’ll have against photoageing. You should also try to find a sunscreen with five-star UVA protection on the label, which will help protect against the broadest range of UV radiation.
Be sure to regularly use sunscreen or SPF-containing products from spring to autumn.
If you’re going to be getting a lot of sun (such as on a beach holiday) it’s best to use a higher SPF product and reapply regularly. Although some people recommend wearing sunscreen even in winter, this is unlikely to be of much benefit to people living in the UK, as UV radiation is lowest this time of year.
But if you go on a skiing holiday or live somewhere with lots of snow, sunscreen will still be beneficial as snow reflects solar radiation.
All the evidence suggests that by far the most effective way to prevent photoageing is with the use of sunscreens, as these prevent damage from happening in the first place. Now with more choice than ever and formulations always being improved, it’s just a matter of finding what product works best for you.
But a final word of warning: slathering on sunscreen before sitting out tanning won’t be enough to protect you completely – and this goes beyond photoageing. Too much sun exposure can carry other risks – such as sunburn and skin cancer – which is something to bear in mind during the summer months.
Karl Lawrence, Post Doctoral Researcher, Photobiology, King’s College London. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget
