We all know the sun is bad for our skin, but why?

The ageing effects of sun exposure are down to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.  When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it can result in both immediate and long-term changes that contribute to premature ageing.  

DNA - UVA and UVB radiation can cause direct damage to the DNA in your skin cells, causing mutations that disrupt normal cellular functions, potentially leading to skin cancer development.  In addition, DNA damage triggers the production of enzymes called metalloproteinases, which can degrade collagen and elastin fibres which are essential components of the skin’s structure.

Collagen - Sun damage can also lead to collagen breakdown.  Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin, keeping it firm and elastic.  UV radiation activates enzymes which break down collagen fibres in the skin and this weakens the skin structure and leads to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.

Elasticity - UV radiation can also cause a loss of elasticity in the skin.  This is because UV can cause the production of abnormal elastin fibres and contribute to the breakdown of existing elastin.  As a result, the skin loses its elasticity, so it can’t stretch and bounce back, leading to the formation of deep wrinkles and, sometimes, a leathery texture.

Melanin - Sun exposure also affects melanin production, the pigment responsible for giving colour to your skin that acts as a natural defence against UV damage by absorbing and dissipating UV radiation.  Excessive and prolonged sun exposure can lead to uneven distribution of melanin, resulting in the formation of hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots, also known as age spots.

Dermal thinning – long-term sun exposure can cause the thinking of the middle layer of skin (the dermis) which contains collagen and elastin fibres.  As the dermis thins, the skin becomes more fragile and susceptible to injury, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and a loss of elasticity.

Of course, the effects of sun exposure are cumulative and occur over time. Everyone’s skin ages differently and factors such as the intensity and duration of sun exposure, skin type and physiology all come into play.

Self-care begins with protecting your skin from the harmful sun but the ageing process is inevitable.  If you begin to feel unhappy with the way you look, you may wish to consider dermal fillers to counteract fine lines and wrinkles, or plastic surgery if your lines and more ingrained and need a longer-term solution.  

There are lots of options to consider, the starting point is an initial consultation with one of our surgeons who will assess your physiology, understand what results you’d like to achieve and provide tailored advice to help you decide what’s right for you.