No matter how much we like the sun, excessive sun exposure is a major factor in causing premature ageing of the skin, or so-called photoageing. Up to 80% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing are caused by UV radiation (1). The skin loses collagen and elastin much faster, which gives volume to youthful skin, it begins to loosen gradually, fine lines and wrinkles appear prematurely. Under the influence of UV rays, the skin absorbs and retains less moisture than it needs, so it becomes dry. Photoageing also causes skin pigmentation problems. Furthermore, UV rays are one of the main provoking factors in rosacea-affected or couperose skin guaranteeing an exacerbation of the disease (2). The harmful rays of the sun promote the growth of new capillaries in the skin and the expansion of existing ones. Therefore, it is misleading to believe that the sun helps to heal irritated skin. You have to choose between tanned skin with a later developed network of blood vessels on your face or healthy skin. Therefore, for couperose skin, it is recommended to use sunscreen all year round. The preferred protection index is SPF 30 in winter and SPF 50 in summer (3). The product must be labelled as having a wide range of protection, i.e., against both UVB and UVA rays. It should be noted that products with the sun protection factor SPF 50 also let a small amount of radiation through, so the tan is formed, only it is even and without a strong pigment. Nowadays make-up with sunscreens is also available. In addition, toners are not recommended for those with couperose skin, and it is better to choose BB creams, such as LABRAINS natural BB cream.
Although the sun initially seems to improve the skin affected by dermatitis and rosacea, this view is misleading – the sun is much more dangerous to the skin than wind and cold. Of course, it is difficult to avoid the sun, but with suitable protection we can slightly limit the adverse effects of UV rays on the skin. Sunlight not only has a detrimental effect on blood vessels and accelerates ageing of the skin, but also contributes to a variety of adverse skin conditions, such as papillomas, warts and even skin cancer (4).
Take note!
All sunscreens work for a limited time. They must therefore be regularly reapplied to ensure effective protection. Sunscreens containing chemical filters should be reapplied more frequently, but products containing mineral sunscreens (TiO2 and ZnO) work as long as they are on the skin because they reflect light, thus blocking out sunlight. They must be re-applied even if the packaging states that it is waterproof. First, after swimming, dry the skin with a towel and then apply sunscreen.
Protective products containing physical filters work immediately, so they can be applied just before going out in the sun, but it is recommended to apply chemical filters 20-30 minutes before going outside.
References:
- Amaro-Ortiz, A., Yan, B., & D’Orazio, J. A. (2014). Ultraviolet radiation, aging and the skin: prevention of damage by topical cAMP manipulation. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 19(5), 6202–6219. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202
- Passeron, T., Lim, H. W., Goh, C. L., Kang, H. Y., Ly, F., Morita, A., Ocampo Candiani, J., Puig, S., Schalka, S., Wei, L., Dréno, B., & Krutmann, J. (2021). Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: practical recommendations from an expert panel. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 35(7), 1460–1469. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17242
- Sander, M., Sander, M., Burbidge, T., Beecker, J. (2020). The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer: 192(50), E1802–E1808. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7759112/
Hasche, D., Vinzón, S. E., & Rösl, F. (2018). Cutaneous Papillomaviruses and Non-melanoma Skin Cancer: Causal Agents or Innocent Bystanders? Frontiers in microbiology, 9, 874. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.00874