Photodamaged Skin: Causes And Remedies
October 18, 20215 Ways To Get Rid Of Photodamaged Skin
Photodamage is a skin condition that is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It shows up on our skin in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, freckles, dryness, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Let’s understand the causes of photodamage and learn how to prevent and repair photodamaged skin.
Photoageing Meaning
Photodamage is also known as photoageing because ultraviolet radiation from sunlight causes the structure of our skin to change, in a similar manner to how our skin responds to ageing.
5 Causes Of Photodamaged Skin
Melanin is a natural pigment which gives your hair, eyes and skin their colour. If your skin cells make less melanin, then you have a lighter complexion, eye, and hair colour. And if more melanin is produced by your skin cells, then you have a dusky complexion, darker eyes and hair colour. This depends on your genetics and place of birth.
Research indicates that people with porcelain and beige complexions are more at risk for developing skin conditions related to sun damage. In other words, people with lighter complexions get sunburnt easily.
According to a study, Asian skin and Caucasian skin show different forms of photodamage. It was observed that most people in North America and Europe develop wrinkles and fine lines as a result of photodamage, whereas most people in Asia do not develop wrinkles till the age of 50 years. Instead, photodamage appears on their skin in the form of dark spots and pigmented skin.
People who spend a major part of their day in sunlight, such as farmers, construction workers, athletes, travellers, etc. are more prone to getting sun damaged skin. Activities that encourage excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as sunbathing or using tanning beds, contribute to sunburn, reduced cellular immunity and photoaging in the long run.
Research indicates that smoking cigarettes leads to decreased blood circulation in the skin, while damaging connective skin tissues and making our skin more prone to getting photodamaged.
As we age, our dermal barrier starts to weaken and our skin starts getting thinner, thereby increasing its chances of getting damaged in the sun. According to a study, oestrogen deficiency is an important factor that leads to signs of ageing, and makes skin more prone to photodamage in post-menopausal women.
5 Ways To Reduce Photodamage
UV rays are not only present in our atmosphere on sunny days, but also on cloudy and rainy days. They are not just present on the beach, but they also affect our skin in hilly terrains. In colder climates, ultraviolet rays bounce back from the snow and reflect on our skin, leading to photodamaged skin.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because the sun’s rays are most intense during this time period.
Whenever you are going outdoors during the day, keep your skin covered by wearing full-length clothing, a hat, scarf and sunglasses.
According to a study, both short-term and long‐term skin concerns caused by ultraviolet radiation can be reduced by nearly 80% if sunscreens are applied to the skin properly, especially during a person’s youth years.
The same study also explains that while both naturally aged skin and photodamaged skin experience thinning, loss of elasticity and decreased collagen, yet in cases where naturally aged skin is sun-protected, it remains smooth and free from blemishes.
Use water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours or sooner if you are swimming, exercising or spending time in an outdoor setting.
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta‐carotene and alpha‐hydroxy acids (AHAs) minimise the effects of photodamage, strengthen our skin’s protective barrier, delay signs of ageing and reduce the breakdown of collagen in mature skin.
Research shows that carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein found in fruits such as tomato and papaya, protect our skin against UV damage, repair photodamaged skin, improve skin tone and slow down the signs of ageing.
Another study shows that carotenoids and phenolic compounds found in carrots reduce hyperpigmentation and promote antioxidant activity in the skin.
Sun damage slows down the rate at which our body replaces dead skin with new skin cells. This leads to dullness in the complexion, uneven skin tone, dark spots and congested pores. Weekly or bi-monthly exfoliation, according to your skin type, can help to improve the cell turnover rate and promote even skin tone.
However, exfoliation can also make our skin prone to photosensitivity. So make sure to exfoliate only in your night-time routine, and use sun protection daily.
Juicy Chemistry Products For Photoaged Skin Treatment
Juicy Chemistry’s Potato, Tomato and Lemongrass Organic Soap reduces tan and provides softness to your skin. Our Carrot, Rosehip and Neroli Organic Soap repairs sun-damage, lightens scars and reduces the effect of oxidative stress on your skin.
Juicy Chemistry’s certified organic toners hydrate your skin and soothe inflammation. Our Bulgarian Rose Water is clinically proven to brighten your skin. Our Aloe Vera Juice promotes skin repair and cools sun-damaged skin.
Saffron and Red Raspberry Facial Oil is a moisturising day oil which provides protection against sun-damage and oxidation. Our Helichrysum and Rosehip Facial Oil is a fast-absorbing facial oil meant for night-time application. It repairs sun-damaged skin and improves skin tone.
Juicy Chemistry’s natural serums are formulated with active ingredients extracted from plants. Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum is made with kakadu plum, a naturally rich source of vitamin C, to brighten your skin tone and reduce dark spots and blemishes. Our AHA Polishing Face Serum gently exfoliates your skin, repairs photodamage and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sun damage the same as photodamage?
‘Sun damaged skin’ and ‘photodamaged skin’ are terms that are often used in place of each other. They refer to the same skin concerns - hyperpigmentation, blemishes, dullness, tan, etc.
However, sun damage only refers to damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, whereas photodamage refers to all forms of damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, including sun damage, damage caused due to tanning beds and often blue-light emitting from devices.
How to repair photodamaged skin quickly?
Photodamage can take many weeks, months or even years to develop on your skin. Hence, its repair also takes time, especially with natural treatments. A consistent skin care routine that includes products to repair photodamage needs to be followed for a couple months to start seeing an improvement in your skin.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769024/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16117739/