‍Understanding the process of sun damage
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What causes sun damage?‍

While we’re probably all familiar with a sunburn from too long spent in the sun, sun damage is often less obvious and actually goes beyond just the surface of your skin. Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation that comes from the sun. UVB radiation is largely associated with damage to the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis) such as sunburn, while UVA radiation can penetrate the skin’s deeper layer (the dermis) to cause damage that is not visible on the surface. And because UVA makes up about 90% of the UV radiation that reaches your skin – even when the sun is hidden by clouds or shining through a window, it is the main culprit of sun damaged skin.^2,3

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Any exposure to UV radiation can cause sun damage to your skin – and this damage accumulates over time. UV exposure is the single major factor responsible for skin ageing, accounting for up to 90% of visible skin ageing.^1,4 UV rays cause visible sun damage such as wrinkles, pigment changes, roughness, dryness, and loss of elasticity. UV rays also cause underlying damage to the cells and their DNA. In the deeper layers of your skin, the damage includes loss of normal collagen and elastic fibres that give your skin strength and structure.^1,2,4

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Prevention vs reversal of sun damage

When it comes to sun damage, prevention is crucial. Protecting your skin from UV radiation every day is the most important thing you can do to prevent sun damage on your skin, because ongoing UV exposure means that sun damage will just keep building up over time. Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach 3 or higher.⁵ Below 3, sun protection is still recommended when you are outdoors for extended periods or near reflective surfaces, like snow.⁵ For the best protection, use the 5 SunSmart step as recommended by the Cancer Council of Australia:⁵

1. Slip on clothing 
2. Slop on sunscreen
3. Slap on a hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on some sunglasses

If you do have sun damaged skin, there are options that can help partially reverse the visible signs of sun damage as well as help repair some of the damage that lies underneath the surface. The key with this type of treatment is to make sure that you use these products together with regular sun protection, otherwise you’ll be fighting an uphill battle against continual sun damage.²

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Products to help protect and repair sun damaged skin

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Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen every day is the best thing you can do to protect your skin from sun damage now and in the future.² Daily sunscreen use – and not just those times when you know you’ll be out and about in the sun – is recommended. In fact, an Australian study showed that people who applied sunscreen daily experienced minimal skin ageing over 4 years and less skin ageing than people who only applied sunscreen when needed.⁶

Here are a few key points to remember about using sunscreen protection:^5,7,8

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation
• Choose a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before you go outside
• Apply very liberally – you actually need to apply more than you probably think to gain full protection, about 1 teaspoon to cover the whole face and about 7 teaspoons for a full body
• Reapply every 2 hours or more often when exercising, and after swimming or towelling 

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Retinoids

Retinoids are a group of chemicals derived from vitamin A that help with the turnover and renewal of skin cells and help improve skin appearance. This is why they are a key ingredient in many anti-ageing products. There are several types of retinoids that have different potencies (how strong they are) that can be used to help manage the signs of sun damaged skin.⁹ Your GP or skin specialist can help you figure out which type of retinoid may be right for you.

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Creams, serums, and moisturisers

Products that can help reverse sun damaged skin come in different forms, such as creams, serums, and moisturisers. Many of these creams for sun damaged skin and other anti-ageing products can be found over the counter, while others may need to be obtained from your doctor.² 

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Considerations when using skin protection products

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Timing and usage

For any anti-ageing or skin protection product, it is always important to follow the instructions for use – particularly when it comes to how much to apply and how often you should apply it. Your skin may take time to adjust to any new product, and overuse could cause your skin to become irritated. Various factors can also affect how long it takes to see results, including your skin type, how severe the sun damage is, and how sensitive your skin is to the product.^2,10

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Other things to think about

Some products may not be suitable for people with certain skin conditions (e.g., eczema) or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some products might make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, so it’s important to take extra care with your sun protection while you are using these products and always follow the directions for use.^1,2,10

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Consulting with your doctor

Always discuss your skin concerns with your doctor and remember to tell them about any conditions you have or any medications or supplements you are taking, including your current skin care regimen.

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Consult with a specialist

When you’re looking for professional advice about preventing and repairing sun damaged skin you might want to speak with a specialist. You can ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist or look up dermatologists in your area. Alternatively, you can seek out an online consultation with your preferred healthcare professional.