In this article:
Types of UV rays
What is photoageing?
Signs of sun damage
How to protect yourself from sun damage
How to treat sun-damaged skin
Sun damage is easy to forget about once a sunburn fades, but this form of skin harm isn’t just short-term redness and discomfort: It's a serious threat to skin health.
UV rays penetrate deep within skin’s layers, causing long-term damage, such as premature ageing and skin cancer (1).
The effects of sun damage can be frightening, we know, so we’re here to arm you with knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of how sun damage affects skin and the steps you can take to reduce its risks.
The more you know, the easier it is to protect yourself! And quick hint: sun protection involves more than just using sunscreen.
Types of UV rays
First, we have to get familiar with the external factors that cause sun damage, UV rays. There are two main types of UV rays that cause sun damage: UVA and UVB.
UVA (longer-wave) rays activate skin in an unhealthy way to become tan, but they are not the rays responsible for sunburn. UVA rays go far deeper into skin and trigger skin cancer and premature ageing damage (2). Unlike UVB rays discussed below, the threat from UVA rays is fairly constant whenever it’s daylight. “Many of my patients are surprised to learn that UVA rays can penetrate glass, so the skin damage can even happen when you’re inside near a window or driving,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Beth McLellan.
UVB (shorter-wave) rays are responsible for causing sunburn and trigger premature ageing damage. It’s mostly absorbed by the top layers of the skin and is considered the common cause of most skin cancers (3). Although shorter in length than UVA rays, UVB rays are more intense, especially during peak hours, which will typically be between 10 AM–4 PM, you know, the times of day you’re most likely to be having fun in the sun! “The SPF on your sunscreen indicates how well it protects you from these UVB rays,” points out Dr. Beth McLellan.
What is photoageing?
If you’ve investigated sun damage before, you've probably encountered the word “photoageing.” The term sounds more complicated than the concept itself.
Photoageing is a term that’s used to describe all the pro-ageing skin damage (wrinkles, fine lines, uneven tone, dark spots) that the sun and light can cause. Photoageing is accrued throughout your life, every time you step into or are exposed to light. “It is always interesting to compare the sun-protected skin to sun-exposed skin in older people – you can really see the damage that happens over a lifetime of sun exposure,” says Dr. McLellan.
Although UV rays are major contributors, they’re not the only forms of light that can cause photoageing. High-energy visible light, otherwise known as HEV light, and infrared light (which we feel as heat) also add to the skin damage pot that is photoageing (4).
Signs of sun damage
Beyond the obvious short-term consequences (like sunburn), sun damage has far more serious long-term repercussions for skin.
Essentially, sun damage destroys skin’s ability to maintain the vital components (such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamins) it needs to look young and healthy. It creates the perfect storm that allows for barrier impairment that can, of course, lead to a plethora of other undesirable skin concerns. Unprotected exposure to UV light can even cause immune system damage which impacts our health in numerous ways (5).
In addition to potentially life-threatening skin cancer and immune impairment, the long-term signs of sun damage and consequences of unprotected sun exposure from UVA and UVB rays include:
- Increased fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin discolourations and uneven tone
- Dry, thin, crepey-looking skin
- Compromised skin architecture, resulting in a less-firm appearance
- Buildup of dead cells on and within the surface layers, resulting in dull, congested skin
UVA damage, particularly, is more insidious because you don’t feel any pain or discomfort from it, yet it is destroying skin, nonetheless. Over time, this causes skin abnormalities, resulting in the worst forms of skin ageing and a heightened risk of skin cancer. “We need to end the perception that a tan looks healthy. Even without a sunburn, UVA exposure is leading to skin damage,” says Dr. McLellan.
How to protect yourself from sun damage
Honestly, prevention is the only way to truly save your skin from sun damage. Once skin’s damaged, some visible repair is possible but there is only so much you can do.
This truth means it’s integral to wear a sunscreen every day, rain or shine. Remember: It’s never too late to start using an SPF product, but the sooner the better. You may be amazed at how quickly skin begins to look and feel healthier once you begin protecting it from UV light. “Sunscreen shouldn’t just be for the beach – I encourage everyone to incorporate sunscreen on exposed areas into part of their normal daily routine for the best protection,” says Dr. McLellan.
Keep in mind that if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time or sweating, you will need to reapply your SPF product regularly (if not in water, every two hours; if in water or sweating profusely, more often!) to ensure you are getting full protection. It can also be helpful to check the UV index daily to properly plan your sun protection.
Also, be aware that some medications and skin care products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Consult your pharmacist if you’re not sure about the sun exposure risks of any medications you routinely take.
A couple more prevention tips: Lips can get sun-damaged too. Protect them with a lip balm with SPF, and reapply it regularly because eating, drinking, and even talking will make it wear off. “Don’t forget your scalp, ears and hands,” reminds Dr. McLellan. “Many people are focused on protecting their face but forget about these other vulnerable areas.”
Preventing sun damage doesn’t stop with sunscreen. Other protective measures are equally vital, and include wearing a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses (UV light causes many common eye problems we associate with just getting older), and UPF-rated clothing. And of course, avoid the midday sun whenever possible, seeking shade when you can.
How to treat sun-damaged skin
Although sun damage can’t be 100% undone, there are products that can help diminish the appearance of its ageing effects in surprising ways, including the following:
- AHA or BHA exfoliant: Helps remove the buildup of unhealthy skin caused by sun exposure, restoring smoothness, improving skin tone and leading to an overall more radiant complexion. Also plays a role in restoring a firmer, plumper look and feel.
- Retinol: Visibly prevents and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of ageing caused by the harmful effects of the sun.
- Vitamin C: Dramatically brightens uneven skin tone brought on by sun exposure.
- Antioxidant serum: Helps shield skin against environmental damage (including air pollutants) and boosts the efficiency of your SPF product.
- Barrier-fortifying moisturiser: Nourishes skin’s barrier and hydrates, helping to strengthen skin’s defences and prevent future damage.
- Ectoin serum: Ectoin combined with hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration to alleviate dehydration and improve skin’s defenses.
- Skin-brightening products: Help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and spots caused by sun exposure. These include tranexamic acid, hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, ellagic acid, niacinamide and licorice extract.
- Peptide-infused gloss balm: Restores hydration and fullness to delicate skin on sunburned lips with signal peptides for a healthier, plumped, juicier appearance.
These are also professional treatments like laser, chemical peels, microneedling, dermaplaning and microdermabrasion that can help diminish the appearance of sun damage.
Sun damage can seem frightening, we get it. But remember, the sooner you act, the better you’ll be able to protect your skin in the long run! Bonus: years later you won’t be seeing many of the signs of ageing older people tend to bemoan. Instead, your skin will be noticeably younger and more even.
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References for this information:
- Cleveland Clinic, Accessed July 2023, Webpage
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, February 2021, ePublication
- Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine, January 2018, pages 50-59
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, February 2020, pages 407-415
- Biomed Research International, December 2016, pages 1–10
