How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
Sun protection is essential to maintaining healthy skin and preventing skin problems. Too much exposure to the sun can cause various issues, some of which can lead to irreversible damage. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you understand the dangers of too much sun on your skin. Discover how to protect your skin from sun damage below.
How does the sun damage skin?
The sun produces ultraviolet rays, which can be harmful to our skin. UV rays aren’t visible to the human eye but can penetrate the skin and cause issues. Two types of UV rays can harm your skin: UVA rays and UVB rays.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, and age spots. UVB rays penetrate the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn. These rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause skin cancer.
How can I prevent sun damage to my skin?
The best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to wear SPF sunscreen on your face and body every day. It is recommended that you wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, but 50+ is preferable. Sun protection is needed not only on sunny days but on cloudy days and during winter, as UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage. You should apply sunscreen after you put on moisturiser and before you put makeup on. Be sure to get your neck and ears, as these areas are easy to forget!
Try to avoid being in the sun during peak UV hours, which in New Zealand are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you need to be out and about during this time, wear sunglasses and a hat to shade exposed skin.
My skin is sun damaged – how do I take care of it?
There are several signs of sun damage you should look out for. These include:
- Sunburn
- Changes in pigmentation or freckles
- Rough, dry, or scaly skin
- Wrinkles and fine lines
Many treatments are available to get your skin back to its best. The team at Avana can help you figure out how to treat your skin safely and effectively. We offer services such as chemical peels, laser to remove the damaged outer layer of skin, and other methods to improve the appearance of sun damage.
Book your sun damage treatment day
It's essential to be aware of these signs of sun damage and take steps to protect your skin, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If you notice any changes in your skin, speak with a dermatologist to determine the cause, and get appropriate treatment. If you have experienced sun damage and are looking to treat it, the team at Avana can help; our specialist consultants have over 25 years of experience. Get in touch today to learn more about our treatments and book your appointment.
