UV & Sun Exposure 101: The Impact on Aging & Inflammation

Summer is officially upon us! As we enjoy more time outdoors and the warmth of the sun, it's crucial to be aware of its effects beyond that sun-kissed glow we all crave. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, emitted by the sun, plays a significant role in both aging and inflammation of the skin, so understanding its effects can make a huge difference in how we can best keep ourselves, and most notably our skin, healthy, happy, and better protected. 

 What is UV Radiation?

UV radiation is categorized into three types based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is largely absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer and does not reach us in significant amounts. However, UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and affect our skin differently.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, affecting the skin cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin  - aka the crucial proteins that maintain skin structure, firmness,  and elasticity. UVA exposure leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to premature signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines.

UVB rays primarily affect the skin's outer layer (epidermis) and are the main cause of sunburns. They also play a role in skin aging and can contribute to the development of skin cancers.

Tip: An easy way to help you remember the difference is: A = aging and B= burning!

How Does UV/Sun Exposure Impact Aging? 

The aging effects of UV radiation can be broken down into two major categories: intrinsic and extrinsic.

• Intrinsic Aging: This refers to the natural aging process influenced by genetics and internal factors. However, UV exposure accelerates this process significantly. Collagen is broken down faster under UV radiation and as these fibers weaken and degrade, the skin loses its elasticity and resilience, leading to wrinkles, loss of facial volume, and sagging skin. 

• Extrinsic Aging: Also known as photoaging, this type of aging is caused by external factors, with UV exposure being the main culprit. Photoaging manifests as premature wrinkling, uneven pigmentation (like age spots or melasma), and a rough, “leathery” texture. These changes happen as a result of the damage to skin cells and their DNA caused by UV rays over extended periods.

How Does UV/Sun Exposure Impact Inflammation? 

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or something it perceives as harmful, including UV radiation. UV exposure triggers several inflammatory responses in the skin including:

• Sunburn: The most visible and well-known effect of UV exposure is sunburn. UV radiation damages skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response. This leads to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes blistering.
• Immune Suppression: UV radiation can suppress the skin's immune response, making it less able to fight off infections and other threats. This can lead to increased inflammation in the skin and worsen existing conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and lupus.
• DNA Damage: UV radiation can directly damage the DNA in skin cells. This can lead to mutations that can contribute to skin cancer development. The body's response to this DNA damage also involves inflammation, which can further damage the skin.
• Inflammaging: A term used to describe the aging effects on the skin caused by chronic, low-grade inflammation. Not properly reapplying your SPF can allow for UV rays to reach your skin and trigger inflammation - leading to inflammaging and resulting in the acceleration of visible concerns like fine lines and unevenness.

Protection & Prevention Best Practices

Understanding the impact of UV radiation on aging and inflammation makes it all the more important to amp up your sun protection strategies:

• Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Protective Clothing: Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your skin, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection to shield yourself from direct sun exposure.
• Seek Shade: Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: UV radiation from tanning beds can be even more intense and harmful than natural sunlight. Avoid using them to reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
• Daily Skincare: Look for products rich in antioxidants & anti-inflammatory properties (like the TCM ingredients found in each Karuna Skin product!). They help neutralize free radicals generated by UV radiation, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can accelerate the signs of skin aging.

Tip: Don’t skip moisturizing.  Keeping the skin hydrated with an antioxidant-rich daily moisturizer like All Day Cream improves moisture barrier function and supports its ability to repair and regenerate.

While the sun DOES provide some positive benefits like warmth and vitamin D, its UV radiation poses significant risks to our skin's health over time. By understanding how UV exposure impacts aging and inflammation, we can take the necessary steps to protect our skin and maintain its youthful appearance and Karuna Skin is here to help!

Interested in learning more? Head over to our BLOG page today and let us know something new you’ve learned below or on Instagram @karunaskin - we love hearing from you!