Sun-damaged skin

Sun-damaged skin can be seen in both immediate reactions such as sunburn and long-term, often more subtle effects such as photoaging. This article explains how to recognize sun-related skin damage, which factors play a role and how you can protect your skin from UV damage. You will also learn how moderate sunlight supports the immune system and how the body produces vitamin D.

Characteristics of sun-damaged skin

Sun-damaged skin has the following acute symptoms:

• Redness of the skin: due to dilated blood vessels
• Sunburn: painful, inflammatory reaction of the skin
• itching and irritation
• swelling and blistering

Long-term damage from UV radiation leads to photoaging and manifests itself as:

• Deeper wrinkles and lines: due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin
• Thickened, leathery skin structure: due to degeneration of elastic fibers
• Dry, flaky skin: caused by a disrupted skin barrier
• Pigment disorders: e.g. age spots or white pigment spots
• Telangiectasias (spider-like blood vessels): caused by weakened capillaries

Causes of skin damage caused by solar radiation

Both short-wave UVB and long-wave UVA rays damage the skin in different ways.

• UVB radiation: It penetrates the epidermis and causes acute reactions such as redness, sunburn and blisters. Repeated sunburn increases the risk of DNA damage and skin cancer.
• UVA radiation: This penetrates deeper into the skin to the dermis, damaging the connective tissue and thus promoting premature skin aging (photoaging). UVA rays can even damage the skin through clouds and window glass.

Other risk factors:

• Individual skin type: People with fair skin and little melanin are more susceptible to visible UV damage.
• Environmental factors: Air pollution and fine dust increase UV damage by forming free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the skin.

Prevention of sun-related skin damage

Conscious use of the sun protects the skin from damage:

• Avoid direct sunlight: In summer, stay in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., as this is when UV radiation is strongest. In snow, sand or water, UV exposure is increased due to reflections.
• Wear protective clothing: Natural fabrics, dark colors and tightly woven textiles provide better protection. UV-protective clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses also help.
• Slowly get your skin used to sunlight: Start with moderate sun exposure in spring to stimulate the formation of a protective light callus. This temporary thickening of the skin absorbs UV radiation and reduces its penetration into deeper layers of the skin.
• Strengthen the skin barrier: Use emulsifier-free care products to keep the skin hydrated and minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL). A healthy skin barrier provides better protection against external influences such as UV radiation.

Product tips to support sun-damaged skin

Light-induced skin aging can be counteracted with targeted care:

• Organic Sunshine Day Oil : Contains natural, plant-based sunscreen to strengthen antioxidant and photoprotective defenses.
• myrto organic facial serums: They contain vitamins C and E, bakuchiol, sea buckthorn, magnolia bark and astaxanthin, which have cell-renewing and repairing effects.
• myrto organic face masks: These masks support skin regeneration and strengthen the skin barrier overnight.
• After Sun Body Oil Wild Berries : Ideal for soothing and caring for the body after sun exposure.

Vitamin D production through sun exposure

Sunlight promotes the body's own production of vitamin D, which supports the immune system and can prevent depressive moods. A sufficiently high vitamin D level helps to detect and eliminate abnormal cells at an early stage. Studies suggest that a lack of vitamin D increases the risk of certain types of cancer. Synthetic vitamin D supplements cannot completely replace the natural synthesis of vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.

Sun is important for health, but should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid skin damage and premature skin aging.