The Impact of Cumulative Sun Exposure and Vitamin D
Having lived and worked in London for 2 years, I could now understand and appreciate the beauty, the warmth, the colour and the life that the sun brings! Sun lovers tend to focus on the goodness of sun exposure and cite the need for vitamin D, which promises strong joints and bones. They never thought much about the bad effects of sun exposure.
Most sun damage is cumulative in our lifetime. Besides causing premature ageing, sun exposure may lead to diseases such as skin cancer and the deadly melanoma. Fortunately, it is never too late to be wise about sun protection. Just make sure you follow the right sun-protection routine to keep your skin youthful and glowing. Use sunscreen with an SPF ( Sun Protection Factor) of at least 25 for everyday use, and 50 for sports.
How UV Radiation Accelerates Skin Ageing and Pigmentation
When it comes to ageing, sun damage tops the list. UV rays penetrate deep into the skin to cause skin ageing by damaging the collagen. It also generates a lot of free radicals to damage the gene, the proteins and the cells leading to the formation of wrinkles, photodamaged skin and even cancer.
Pigmentation caused by overexposure to the sun is another common complaint, especially among Asian women. Careful sun protection alone can diminish the appearance of pigmentation disorders like sunspots and freckles.
Selecting Effective Sun Protection: Physical and Chemical Filters
Most sunscreens contain both physical and chemical filters. Physical filters reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror, while chemical filters absorb UV rays to prevent them from penetrating deeper into the skin. If you require extra protection during outdoor activities, you may consider oral suncare supplements, such as Heliocare, and choose swimwear or sportswear with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). However, there is still no substitute for the diligent application of a dedicated sunscreen.
Optimising Your Daily Sun Protection Routine
It is also important to note that moisturisers formulated with SPF tend to offer less protection than standalone sunscreens. Similarly, while makeup with SPF contains physical filters, the overall coverage is usually insufficient on its own. For maximum protection, these products should always be used in conjunction with a proper sunscreen.
In my consultations with patients seeking the “holy grail” of anti-ageing skincare, I often share a simple observation: look at the skin on your own buttocks. Almost 99% of the time, the skin there remains in pristine, “baby-like” condition. Most people have never applied skincare or undergone laser treatments in that area, yet the skin there is almost always smoother and clearer than the skin on their face. This illustrates a powerful truth: the areas protected from the sun age significantly slower. Sun protection is truly the cornerstone of youthful skin.
