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Here comes the sun – and another wrinkle! Don’t let the holidays put years on you with Elave Sun’s tips on how to avoid photoaging and other skin damage
Another year, another wrinkle! We like to blame ageing skin on the passing of the years, but is acquiring wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation inevitable? The answer is no, it isn’t. The main culprit in age-related woes is photoaging – damage done to the dermis by exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light.
Up to 90% of visible skin ageing is a direct result of cumulative sun damage acquired throughout our lives. Even in overcast, rainy Ireland, the sun is strong enough to cause lasting damage to fair, delicate skin. Our reddish hair and freckles, along with a tendency to take a head-long rush to catch some sun when it does shine, makes us particularly susceptible to UV damage.
Skin is the body’s largest organ and is composed of three layers – the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutis (bottom layer). The dermis contains collagen, elastin and fibres that support the skin’s structure and give it a smooth and youthful appearance.
UV radiation, which is present in sunlight, is composed of two waves: longer UVA rays and shorter UVB rays. UVB produces sunburn and plays the biggest role in causing skin cancers. UVA, which penetrates deep into the dermis, is responsible for the damage associated with photoaging. It is around even on a cloudy day and can penetrate window glass.
Infrared light from mobile phones and laptops also damages skin
If you think it is 100% safe to hide away indoors, behind your mobile phone or laptop, think again! Around 10% of skin aging is caused by HEV (high energy visible) light and infrared light from devices such as your phone or laptop. Fortunately, neither of these wavelengths causes skin cancer.
In addition, there are intrinsic factors involved in how our skin reacts to the causes of photoaging. Unfortunately, some of us are more predisposed to be impacted by exposure to harmful rays. Genetics can also play a significant role in how susceptible we are to photoaging. If you have a family history of premature aging, or being more sensitive to sun exposure, you will need to take extra precautions.
Smoking is also connected to your skin’s ability to recuperate from light exposure. The nicotine in cigarettes weakens collagen and restricts blood flow, lessening the oxygen and nutrients flowing to your skin, and so hampering its ability to heal from the harmful effects of the sun.
Sunspots develop on skin exposed to the sun over many years
Visible signs of skin aging include a dry appearance, wrinkling, sunspots and solar keratosis. Sunspots, also known as liver spots, are flat brown spots that develop on skin exposed to the sun. Solar keratosis (also known as actinic keratosis) results from skin being damaged by the sun over many years and looks like rough, scaly patches on exposed areas such as the head and face.
You can protect yourself against photoaging (and skin cancer) by staying out of the sun, particularly between 11am and 3pm, using a good broad spectrum sunscreen, and covering up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses. Once the harm is done, cosmetic treatmentscan help to improve the appearance and tone of the skin - but cannot actually repair sun damage.
Elave Sun’s broad spectrum, allergen-free formulations are specially aimed at protecting, repairing and rehydrating dry, sensitive UV-prone skin in infants, children and teenagers. Elave Paediatric 50+blocks out 98% of harmful UVA, UVB and infrared rays with a gentle, vitamin-infused formula that is water-resistant, allergen-free, and suitable for delicate young skin from birth.Elave Sun SPF30 and SPF 50+ are specially formulated for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. These gentle, vegan formulations are infused with 12 antioxidants and 9 botanicals to guarantee no itching, prickling or rashes.
A high SPF helps to protect against the visible signs of photoaging
Elave Daily Skin Defence SPF45 does double duty as a moisturiser and sunscreen. The invisible zinc formula is absorbed quickly and vitamins B5 and E help protect skin and repair environmental dermal damage. The high Sun Protection Factor guards against the development of dark spots, roughness and loss of elasticity.Recommended for all skin types.
Elave Daily Lip Defence SPF20is an ultra-hydrating balm with broad-spectrum protection. This multi-action formula with coconut oil, shea butter, naturally derived collagen and vitamin E reconditions, softens, and protects lips from environmental damage. Menthol gives a cooling sensation.
Elave Eye Rescue Serumis a light, easily absorbed balm with a matte finish specially designed to rejuvenate the delicate eye area. Brazilian Muira Puama and Madonna Lily reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, while aloe vera juice calms and soothes. Vitamins B5, C and E provide excellent antioxidant environmental protection.
Sensitive skin can be a challenge, but understanding its triggers and how to manage them can make a world of difference. At Elave we are dedicated to providing solutions designed to cater to the needs of sensitive skin.
Let’s get into common triggers of sensitive skin and what to use to help soothe and protect your skin.
