Photoaging: 8 tips and skincare to protect your skin from the sun

Photoaging is one of the main enemies of our skin because it can accelerate the aging process and cause the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity. However, proper skincare and some simple tips can make a difference and protect the skin from sun damage.

Read on to discover our 8 tips and the best skincare to protect your skin from the sun and fight the signs of photoaging.

There are 2 types of skin aging:

▪️ Intrinsic aging : it is completely natural and is caused by internal factors such as our genetic predisposition and hormonal changes that occur at different ages.

▪️ Extrinsic aging : caused by external factors such as environmental conditions (climate conditions and exposure to UV rays), lifestyle choices (such as smoking and alcohol consumption) and medications.

Photoaging falls into the second category because it is a process of premature skin aging caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Unlike chronological aging, which is a natural and inevitable process, photoaging is avoidable and can be counteracted.

To understand how to combat the signs of photoaging , it is first important to know all the causes. The main factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or other artificial light sources. However, there are also others that can contribute to the skin aging process, but let's look at all the causes in detail.

UV rays are one of the main causes of photoaging . When the skin is exposed to UV rays, they penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and damage the skin cells.

The sun's UV rays are divided into two main types: UVA and UVB.

▪️ UVA rays : They penetrate deeper into the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin, and are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, loss of tone and elasticity, and dark spots.

▪️ UVB rays : They are responsible for sunburn and, in the long term, can increase the risk of skin cancer.

In addition to UV rays, free radicals are another major cause of photoaging . These highly reactive molecules are formed during the process of exposure to UV rays and other environmental factors, such as air pollution and cigarette smoke. Free radicals damage skin cells and contribute to the deterioration of collagen and elastin, thus accelerating the skin aging process.

Genetics can also influence the susceptibility to photoaging . Someskin types may be genetically predisposed to increased susceptibility to UV damage and to a reduced ability of the skin to repair damage. However, it is important to note that even if you are genetically predisposed, you can still take preventative measures to protect your skin from sun damage and slow down the skin aging process.

In addition to those just mentioned, there are other minor factors that can increase the risk of developing photoaging , including:

▪️ Light phototype : People with light skin have less melanin and are therefore more susceptible to damage caused by UV rays.

▪️ Excessive sun exposure : Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunscreen, significantly increases the risk of photoaging.

▪️ Smoking : Smoking damages collagen and elastin and accelerates the skin aging process.

▪️ Poor diet : A diet low in antioxidants can increase the risk of cellular damage caused by UV rays.

Photoaging is characterized by a series of visible signs on the skin, which can manifest themselves in different forms and intensity depending on the level of exposure to UV rays and the genetic factors of each individual. These signs can be subtle and superficial or more evident and deep.

▪️ Wrinkles : UV rays damage collagen and elastin, the proteins that give the skin its structure and elasticity. This leads to the formation of fine and deep wrinkles, especially on the face, neck and décolleté.

▪️ Loss of tone and elasticity : The sun's rays damage collagen and elastin fibers, causing the skin to become thinner, flaccid and sagging.

▪️ Roughness and dehydration : It can also cause a change in the texture of the skin, which can become rougher, uneven and dull. This is the result of the loss of surface skin cells, as well as damage to the collagen and elastin fibers that contribute to the structure of the skin. The skin may also appear less bright and uniform, with a duller and less radiant appearance.

▪️ Dilated capillaries: Sun exposure can cause capillaries to dilate, making small blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, especially in exposed areas like the cheeks and nose.

Sunspots on the face are often the result of prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection. These, which can vary in size and color, are generally harmless, but can affect the aesthetic appearance of the skin.

It is important to prevent their appearance by always applying sunscreen throughout the year and using hydrating cosmetics that strengthen the skin barrier.

Consistency in your proper skincare routine and sun protection are essential to maintaining healthy skin and an even, glowing complexion.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential to prevent photoaging , sunburn and skin cancer. Here are some practical tips for doing so:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. It should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours, or more often if you sweat or swim.

Also, remember that sunscreens usually expire after 6 months once opened, so make sure to change them every year.

Limiting your sun exposure between 10am and 4pm helps you avoid the sun's strongest UV rays.

If you must be outdoors during these hours, seek shade and wear protective clothing.

Trees, awnings and umbrellas offer good UV protection. If you are at the beach, try to stay under an umbrella or in a shaded area.

Choosing clothing made from tightly woven fabrics can provide good protection from UV rays.

For example, bamboo, in addition to being a very breathable and fresh fabric, guarantees a 90% UV protection.

Tanning lamps emit UV rays that can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are produced by the body in response to sun exposure.

Good sources of antioxidants are fruits, vegetables, legumes and green tea.

Smoking damages collagen and elastin in the skin, accelerating the skin aging process.

A dermatologist can check your skin for health and provide personalized advice to help you care for it.

Extra virgin olive oil is the best ally for body care during the summer to prevent burns and redness and at the same time promote an even tan.

In fact, it is a real panacea for the skin thanks to the substances it contains: vitamin A promotes cell renewal and stimulates hydration, vitamin E increases the production of elastin and collagen and the antioxidant substances slow down skin aging by protecting the skin from damage caused by exposure to the sun.

Our Luce di Sorrento cosmetics are also allies against sun damage and photoaging thanks to the extra virgin olive oil from Sorrento in the formulation which is able to

▪️ deeply moisturize : fights dryness and chapping of the skin, especially after exposure to the sun, sea water and sand.

▪️ prevent sun damage : thanks to its nourishing and antioxidant properties it reduces the risk of burns and redness.

▪️ fight premature aging : vitamins and antioxidants help slow down the skin aging process, keeping the skin elastic and toned.

Maintaining a targeted skincare routine is essential to combat the signs of photoaging and preserve the health and beauty of your skin over time.

Start your beauty routine with a gentle, yet effective cleansing of your skin to remove dirt, oil and makeup residue that has accumulated throughout the day. Choose a gentle cleanser that won't overly dry your skin and that's suitable for your skin type.

CLEANSING LUX GEL is a gel cleanser rich in antioxidant and hydrating ingredients for a deep and delicate cleansing. In addition, it also contains probiotics that support the skin microbiota , improving skin hydration.

Regular exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface and promote cell renewal. Use an enzymatic exfoliant to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

In some of the Luce di Sorrento cosmetics there is our innovative active LemonLight to combine the action of each product with the power of exfoliation to renew the skin and make it bright and healthy. You can find it in

▪️ the delicate cleanser CLEANSING LUX GEL ;

▪️ the SUPREME LUX EYE CREAM eye contour which acts against bags and dark circles;

▪️ SUBLIME LUX ESSENCE LOTION which combines the action of the enzymatic extract with 5 hyaluronic acids of different molecular weights and Vitamin C makes the skin instantly refreshed, hydrated and plump.