Understanding The Link Between Sun Exposure And Premature Skin Aging
                     Understanding The Link Between Sun Exposure And 
Premature Skin Aging
Sarah Weber
Writes on functional and active ingredients for cosmetics personal 
care, home care, hair dyes, color cosmetics and sun filters products 
for a cosmetics  chemical supplier for  MENA region.
specialityspeciality
With various parts of the world frequently experiencing immense heat waves, it is important to 
understand the relationship between unprotected sun exposure and premature skin aging. 
Premature skin aging is also called photoaging. Skin tanning is commonly seen in the more 
sunny parts of the world. We also need to understand the harmful effects of sun exposure so 
that your skin can be saved from burns itches, and tanning by using appropriate measures. 
Many times, sunburns and itchiness can be serious and have long-term effects, so you must 
understand how to protect your skin.
Photoaging Or Premature Skin Aging
UV rays can lead to premature skin aging, a condition referred to as photoaging. Some also term 
it “sun damage, solar damage, dermatoheliosis, and photodamage”. Extended UV exposure can 
damage skin cells, potentially altering their growth and appearance. The DNA of the skin 
changes, and it can also cause cancer if not prevented. The changes in DNA cells are permanent 
and cannot be reversed.
Photoaging is visible on the neck, back of your hands, face, legs, and upper chest. People living in 
very high altitudes, having light skin complexion, and spending an amount of time outside are 
prone to photoaging and also skin cancer. Moreover, some medical conditions can aggravate 
photoaging. Autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, arthritis, and IBL can quicken the skin aging. Some 
medicines like cholesterol-lowering drugs and oral contraceptives make the skin light-sensitive. 
Taking these drugs for a long time can harm the skin.
The Signs And Causes Of Photoaging
When photoaging happens on the skin, it is visible through signs like spider veins, lines, wrinkles, 
loss of elasticity, scaly spots, colored patches, age spots, white spots on arms and legs, uneven skin 
tone, and thin skin. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can harm the epidermis and dermis of the skin. The 
epidermis ensures a smooth skin texture while preserving its elasticity and firmness. The UVB light 
penetrates the epidermis layer and causes precancerous cells known as actinic keratosis. This is the 
main cause of skin cancer and sunburn.
Prevention Of Photoaging
With an increase in intense and prolonged heat waves becoming more common, it is becoming 
difficult to prevent photoaging. The good thing is that these effects can be mitigated by taking the 
following steps.
Use An Effective Sunscreen – various kinds of sunscreens are available. A water-resistant, broad-
spectrum sunscreen can shield your skin against UVA and UVB light. Use the right products, 
preferably with 30SPF or higher. Also applying the sunscreen thirty minutes before stepping out in 
the sun and reapplying it every 2 hours can provide protection.
Wear Protective Clothing – UV protection clothing is also available in the market, do look for them. 
Lightweight clothing must be your preferred choice. Along with it, to guard your skin from the 
damaging sun rays while you are outside, you can put on wide-brimmed caps, shades, and full-
sleeved shirts.
Avoid Peak Hour Sun Exposure – Sunlight is harshest during the peak hours, usually the time from 
12-3 pm. If possible, you should try to avoid going out during such hours.
Sunscreens Are A Practical Choice For Preventing Photoaging
The above are some key preventive steps for preventing photoaging. While aging is a natural 
process, premature skin aging or photoaging is something that can be prevented by proper care 
and taking precautions. However, many times we cannot wear protective clothing for various 
reasons including convenience. We also may be required to go out in the sun during peak hours to 
earn our livelihood or to make the best of vacation. In such situations, the only viable alternative is 
the use sunscreen products.
About Aryant
Aryant speciality chemicals FZCO specializes in the supply of functional and active 
ingredients for cosmetics including personal care and home care. We have global 
network of manufacturers and focused approach towards providing our customers 
with best products. Aryant aims to provide a wide range of functional active 
ingredients as a cosmetics speciality chemical supplier for MENA region․ We are 
one of the unique players as speciality chemical supplier for MENA region․ We 
supply a variety of personal care categories including sun filters, hair dyes, and 
color cosmetics.
Thank you for your time in reading 
this article