Hello, everyone! It’s me again, Sara.
Today I’m going through an article Dr. Hime posted on her blog and talk about the importance of protection from UV rays.
Although summer has come to an end, the sun is still shining, and UV rays remain just as strong. It’s crucial to protect your skin from UV damage not just in the summer but throughout the entire year.
At our clinic, I occasionally meet patients who admit to wearing sunscreen only sporadically, or even rarely. While many are aware that UV rays cause dark spots, some believe they are less likely to develop them, or they think their skin is naturally resistant. As a result, they may be casual or inconsistent about applying sunscreen daily.
Yesterday, I checked my skin using a VISIA skin analysis, and to my surprise, the skin on my left side appeared younger than the right, with less wrinckles and dark spots. I kept wondering why, and the doctor pointed out that I was likely exposed to more sunlight on one side. He was right! Last year, I spent a lot of time driving, and being on the right side of the car meant my right side received more sunlight. This made me realize just how much daily sun exposure can affect your skin over time!
But UV rays do more than just cause dark spots!
As we age, the signs become visible—wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven texture. In fact, UV exposure is responsible for a staggering 80% of skin aging.
Why does UV exposure matter so much?
Have you ever noticed how youthful Korean women often look for their age? A key reason is that they consistently wear sunscreen, not just once, but often reapplying it multiple times throughout the day!
The Science Behind UV Rays and Aging
Let’s dive deeper into how UV rays contribute to aging. There are two main types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.
- UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburns, redness, and blistering. With shorter wavelengths, UVB primarily affects the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), causing damage that can lead to inflammation, dark spots, and even skin cancer.
- UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermis where they damage collagen and elastin. This leads to long-term effects like wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and sagging. What’s more, UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and even glass windows. This is why it’s essential to wear sunscreen not just on sunny days but also on cloudy days and even indoors.
You might have heard of UVC rays, but don’t worry too much about those—UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and rarely reaches the Earth’s surface.
Why UV Protection is the Foundation of Anti-Aging
Understanding UV rays highlights the critical importance of year-round sun protection. While treatments such as Botox, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), radiofrequency, and hyaluronic acid fillers can help combat the signs of aging, these solutions will be far less effective if you’re not protecting your skin from UV damage in the first place.
So, don’t ever forget your sunscreen! It is your best defense against premature aging and ensures that any anti-aging treatments you choose will give you the best results possible.
If you’re interested in a very light but effective sunscreen, try the B. the UV . It’a a perfect solution for sensitive skin too.
Ask to the staff at our clinic for more informations 🙂
Sara