Visible signs of skin aging first appear in the face and hands as these areas are most exposed to the sun’s Ultra Violet light. UVA light is long-wave radiation which ages the deeper dermal skin layer whilst UVB is short-wave radiation that burns and tans the skin surface.
Photo damage occurs due to excessive UV light exposure, the source of which may be natural sunlight, artificial sun lamps or tanning booths. Both UVA and UVB are considered to be carcinogenic by directly or indirectly damaging DNA.
Therefore one of the most important anti aging solutions is an effective sun protection factor that reflects UV light, which is used correctly every day of the year irrespective of age or skin type. For those that want a tanned appearance, artificial sun tan products are a safer option to help prevent premature aging and risk skin cancer.
The image below shows a Truck driver with significant left side facial photo aging due to sun exposure penetrating the truck window
We cannot avoid aging and sun damage but we can slow the process down and minimise DNA damage by taking care of our skin – Use High Sun Protection Factor all year round, even on a cloudy day and remember damaging sun rays can even penetrate clothes.
Skin type 4-6 have higher levels of natural skin melanin but will still suffer sun burn and premature aging
