At Collins Cosmetic Clinic we are committed to helping you achieve healthy skin and maintaining long-term results. One of the biggest threats to your skin health is UV (ultraviolet) radiation. UV radiation is present all year round, and while sunlight is essential for vitamin D production, over- exposure can lead to a variety of short- and long-term skin issues.
What Is UV Radiation?
UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun. It is divided into three types based on wavelength:
- UVA (Aging Rays)
- UVB (Burning Rays)
- UVC: The most harmful, but fortunately, it is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and doesn’t reach us.
How Does UV Radiation Affect Your Skin?
- Premature Aging (Photoaging)
UVA rays penetrate deep within the skin and break down your body’s natural collagen and elastin, accelerating the aging process, which can lead to fine line, wrinkles and skin laxity.
- Sunburn (Erythema)
UVB rays damage the outer layer of skin, causing redness, pain, and peeling. They also play a major role in skin cancer development.
- Hyperpigmentation & Sunspots
Sun exposure triggers melanin production, leading to increased pigmentation and dark spots on the skin.
- Skin Cancer
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause DNA damage to your skin cells which increases the risk of skin cancers.
- Weakened Skin Barrier
UV exposure can lead to dryness, inflammation, and increased sensitivity, making your skin more vulnerable to environmental damage and exacerbate symptoms of dryness, irritation and dehydration.
How to Protect Your Skin:
- Wear Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30+ daily – even in the winter months. Broad-spectrum mean indicates that the SPF protects against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks out 97% of radiation whilst SPF 50 blocks out 98%. If outside for more than an hour each day, then SPF 50+ is recommended. Whilst the difference between SPF 30 and 50 seems so small, SPF 30 allows 50% more radiation on your skin than SPF 50! Regardless of SPF factor, it is important to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming. Some of our favourite sunscreens in clinic include the Airyday 50+ Dreamscreens, and the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun from 10 AM to 4 PM when the UV index is at its highest. Find shade when outdoors.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing.
- Use Antioxidants: Vitamin C, E, and niacinamide can help fight UV damage. Dermaenergy B3 and C2 serums are some of our favourites.
- Get Skin Check-Ups: Regularly monitor your skin and consult a skin doctor if you are concerned about a changing lesion. Regular skin checks are generally recommended if you have a history of skin cancer; have had a bad sunburn when you were young; a family history of skin cancer (especially if before the age of 50); very fair skin, or a high number of moles
How We Can Help at Collins Cosmetic Clinic
At Collins Cosmetic Clinic we offer advanced skin treatments to help repair and protect against UV damage, including:
- BBL (broad-band light) and Laser Treatments – These treatments are great for tackling stubborn sundamage and can remove unwanted redness and pigmentation. They are also great for stimulating new collagen to improve fine lines and wrinkles.
- Chemical Peels – These can be used to improve sundamaged skin, pigmentation and improve skin texture and hydration.
- Hydrodermabrasion and Healite – Are great for restoring moisture and repairing the skin barrier.
- Medical-Grade Skincare – We offer personalised recommendations for UV protection and skin repair.
- Spot Checks – Skin checks at our clinic are performed by a medical doctor. We currently offer spots checks for individual lesions or moles. Examination is done under illumination and magnification with an instrument called a Dermatoscope which is used to examine suspicious lesions more closely.
Final Thoughts
UV radiation is one of the biggest contributors to premature aging and skin damage, but with the right protection, you can keep your skin healthy and youthful. Incorporating daily sunscreen, antioxidants, and professional skincare treatments will help prevent and reverse the effects of sun exposure.
Want to learn more about how to protect and rejuvenate your skin? Book a consultation at Collins Cosmetic Clinic today!
