Photoaging from sun exposure

Photoaging is essentially sun-related skin damage and is also known as photodamage or solar damage.

Ultraviolet radiation, particularly UVA and UVB rays, penetrates the skin and breaks down collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that help keep skin firm, smooth and resilient (1).

Other sources, like tanning beds, for example, and other forms of damaging visible and infrared light may also contribute (2).

Key signs of photoaging to look out for

Skin affected by photoaging may develop fine lines and deeper wrinkles, typically around the eyes and mouth.

Pigmentation often becomes uneven, with dark spots or a ‘mottled’ tone appearing over time. Texture may feel rough or dry, firmness can reduce leading to sagging, and the skin may take on a leathery appearance with visible broken blood vessels (3).

What is different about photoaging, as opposed to natural ageing?

Natural ageing is a gradual, unavoidable process influenced by genetics.

Photoaging, by contrast, is caused by external factors, mainly sun exposure. It is considered premature ageing and largely preventable.

While both processes can occur together (and often do), photoaging tends to accelerate and exaggerate visible signs of ageing (4).

Eating your sunscreen: Photoaging and phytochemicals as internal SPFs

Yes, it’s important to wear your sunscreen. But did you know that you can protect yourself from the sun from the inside too?

Here’s how:

Phytochemicals are those found in foods and herbs such as green tea, turmeric, raspberry seed oil, etc. They contain naturally occurring phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids, which act as natural sunscreens by absorbing or reflecting UV rays and by neutralising damaging free radicals. It is through this action that phytochemicals offer antioxidant protection against sun damage and ageing.

Getting further into the science of how this works, phytochemicals, especially those with aromatic rings, namely polyphenols, and flavonoids, can actually absorb UVA and UVB radiation, preventing it from reaching skin cells, similar to a physical barrier.

Here are some products that harness the actions of these phytochemicals to help protect your skin:

Viridian Pine bark extract

YourGut Glow

Viridian S.P.F Pro Skin Factors

Terranova Skin Drink

Who is most susceptible to photoaging?

Everyone is susceptible to photoaging, although the degree of damage varies from person to person. How much photo-damage develops over time depends largely on the amount of unprotected sun exposure accumulated throughout one’s life. Add to that, individual skin types and geographical factors such as the latitude and climate of where you live.

Living closer to the equator or in consistently sunny environments may increase overall exposure.

Skin tone is also important here. Lighter skin types are generally more prone to photoaging and skin cancer because they contain less melanin (a pigment that protects the skin) and therefore burn more easily.

That said, darker skin is not immune to photodamage or skin cancer, but it is more likely to develop uneven pigmentation, such as dark patches known as melasma, rather than obvious wrinkling early on (5).

What is the Fitzpatrick skin type scale?

Dermatologists often assess susceptibility using the Fitzpatrick skin type scale, which classifies skin based on how it reacts typically to sun exposure.

This ranges from very pale skin that always burns and never tans, through fair and medium tones that burn before tanning, to brown and dark skin that tans easily and rarely or never burns.

Each skin type can experience photoaging, but the way it appears and progresses may look different from one person to another (6). Remember, all skin types are at risk for photoaging.

Prevention of photoaging with daily care

It’s mainly consistent sun protection that has a central role in reducing photoaging.

Follow the age old advice: daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (7), wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. Remember also the power of phytochemicals for protecting your skin from the inside out.

Key takeaways

Photoaging is driven more by sun exposure than by age alone. Long-term protection and supportive daily habits can make all the difference. Meaning, with the right skin protection you have the control over how your skin looks, feels and ages over the years.

Learn more about sunscreen here.

Shop SPF 50 (factor 50) and SPF30 from our top natural skincare brands:

SPF30 Vitamin Face Cream (50ml)

Eco by Sonya Face Sunscreen SPF50 75ml

Sun Lotion SPF30 – Scent-Free

Vinosun High Protection Spray SPF50 (150ml)