Can the Sun Cause Premature Ageing of the Skin?

So what should we do to minimise the damaging effects of the suns rays?

These tips won’t be new to you but sometimes we can all benefit from a reminder.

1. Avoid the sun when it’s at its strongest. There is some science behind the old adage, “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”!
2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. These are all the rage so you have the added benefit of being able to make a bold fashion statement while fending off those pesky wrinkles.
3. Use a good quality sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. Not all sunscreens are created equal so make sure you select one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Most people are unaware that the SPF rating only refers to UVB rays and there is a separate rating system for UVA. Whilst UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, the UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are responsible for the ageing effect of the sun. The UVA protection rating is indicated by a star system (1-5) or by UVA surrounded by a circle.
4. Fake it! Fake tanning products have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years so you can now enjoy a glorious golden glow without any skin damage at all!

Of course, hindsight is a wonderful thing so what do you do if you have already sustained some sun damage?

Visit a medically-led cosmetic clinic where they offer a wide range of products and treatments to counteract the signs of ageing, whatever the cause.

One particularly popular product at the moment is Profhilo, which is very effective at re-hydrating skin after too much sun exposure.