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Cosmetologists believe that in 70% of cases, the skin ages not from age, but due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. To fight with the Sun itself – modern cosmetics cope with this ambitious task.
What is photoaging
Do you know how sunburn occurs? To protect skin cells from possible damage, melanocytes absorb the sun’s rays, producing a dark pigment. As a result, the skin becomes swarthy. If the active exposure to the sun stops, the skin brightens again as the cellular composition is renewed. In young skin, this process takes approximately 28 days.
Over the years, the system starts to fail. Dark spots form on the skin – a manifestation of hyperpigmentation. But that’s not the biggest problem yet. Much more unpleasant is that ultraviolet penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and contributes to the formation of free radicals. Those, in turn, damage collagen fibers – and hello, premature wrinkles.
Take our quiz to determine your phototype.
What you need to know about photoaging of the skin
This process can start very early. Even at 20-25 years old. It all depends on how long and how often you are in the sun or go to the solarium (this is definitely not necessary). Scientists say that “solar” damage begins to accumulate almost from birth. But let’s not talk about sad things. It is better to list the signs by which you can understand that the skin is suffering.
Signs of photoaging
- The skin became rougher.
- The complexion appears uneven. It is even possible the formation of solar lentigo – zones with excessive pigmentation.
- Skin tone, firmness and elasticity decreased prematurely.
- Spider veins appeared.
Ultraviolet penetrates into everything, including the deep layers of the skin and promotes the formation of free radicals.
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Who is most susceptible to photoaging?
We list the main risk groups.
Light skinned people
They are at risk from birth. And the lighter the skin, the more careful you need to be. In summer, wear wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves to help protect against UV rays. After the sea, I want to boast of a beautiful tan. But you should always remember that it is better for your skin to under- than over-sun.
The “bad” changes are cumulative. It is worth getting burned once – and the process of photoaging starts, which will only progress. Therefore, it is very important to always protect the skin from the sun.
Do not forget about children – their skin is even more delicate than that of adults. According to research by American dermatologists, sunburn before the age of 10 doubles the risk of skin cancer after 40 years.
Girls and women during hormonal changes
The fact is that the activity of melanocytes depends on hormones. With hormonal changes (transitional age, pregnancy, postpartum period, menopause) or against the background of hyper- and hypothyroidism, an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen increases the sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation.
smokers
Cigarettes do no good at all, but they are especially detrimental to the lungs and skin. The skin becomes thinner, acquires a grayish-yellowish tint – and becomes more prone to photoaging.
Solarium fans
In the solarium “work” ultraviolet rays of type A (UVA) in high doses. With less aggressive radiation, customers will be dissatisfied – a quick tan will not work.
Meanwhile, UVA penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and destroys its “building materials” – elastin and collagen.
The ideal moisturizer is one that, in addition to active caring ingredients, has an SPF of at least 15.
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How to deal with photoaging
The simplest, as we have said, is to avoid the sun when it is most active, and not get carried away with going to the solarium. And also exclude other risk factors – quit smoking, do not abuse exposure to the sun during hormonal changes. And, of course, actively use cosmetics with SPF, which combines two types of filters:
- physical, reflecting the sun’s rays;
- chemicals that stimulate the production of melanin.
An ideal moisturizer, in addition to active caring ingredients, contains SPF not lower than 15. Also vitamins C and E – known defenders of cells and fighters with free radicals.
In the summer, be sure to use a cream with SPF. But remember that from 11:00 to 16:00, when UV rays are most active, it is better to stay in the shade. Also keep in mind that the activity of the sunscreen is reduced by half an hour after application, and after three hours it ceases to work completely.
Don’t forget about food too. Fruits and vegetables contain many useful substances – those that are rich in vitamins A, C, E are especially valuable for the skin.
Salon treatments against photoaging
In addition to well-chosen cosmetics and a balanced diet, salon procedures will help slow down photoaging.
- biorevitalization – Hyaluronic acid injections. They prevent the harmful effects of UV rays, since hyaluronic acid is an antioxidant and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. And besides, it improves skin tone, makes it more elastic.
- Chemical peels help to cope with hyperpigmentation, accelerate cell regeneration and collagen synthesis.
- Dermabrasion eliminates the accumulation of horny cells and stimulates the renewal of the epidermis.
- Mesotherapy: cocktails of amino acids and vitamins are injected into the skin, which have an antioxidant, regenerating and renewing effect.
- Photorejuvenation – perhaps the most effective method aimed at combating photoaging. Pulses of light waves of a certain length affect the skin and stimulate the synthesis of collagen fibers. Cosmetologists say that after a course of procedures, even deep wrinkles disappear, the skin condition improves significantly.
In addition to cosmetics and products, salon procedures will help slow down photoaging.
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Funds overview
Creams against photoaging of the skin
| Name | Active components | Action |
Cream Revitalift “Laser X3”, SPF 20, L’Oréal Paris | glycopeptide proxylan, lipohydroxy acid, UV filter | Reduces wrinkles and pigmentation, protects against sun exposure, provides anti-aging care. |
Sunscreen “Expert Protection”, SPF 50+, Garnier | vitamin E, UV filter | Ideal for very fair skin. Prevents the appearance of age spots. |
Correcting cream ROSALIAC CC CREME, SPF 30, La Roche-posay | ambophenol, shea butter, mineral pigments, UV filter | Conceals skin imperfections & protects against UV rays. |
Skin Best Day Cream, SPF 15, Biotherm | spirulina extract, antioxidant astaxanthin, UV filter | Moisturizes and nourishes the skin, enhancing its antioxidant protection. Reduces the negative effects of UV rays. |