Deep Dive: What Sun Exposure Is Actually Doing to Your Skin
We all know we should be wearing SPF. But do we really understand what happens to our skin when we don't?
Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and changes in skin texture. And while we often associate sun damage with sunburn, UV exposure can affect our skin long before we notice any visible changes.
Let's take a closer look.
UVA vs UVB. What's the difference?
Not all UV rays affect the skin in the same way.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity.
UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn.
Both can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer, which is why broad-spectrum protection is so important.
Sun damage doesn't always look like sunburn.
Just because your skin isn't red doesn't mean it hasn't been affected by the sun.
Repeated UV exposure can gradually contribute to pigmentation, uneven skin tone, fine lines and changes in skin texture.
This is known as photoageing, and unlike natural ageing, it's something we can actively help prevent.
Yes, cloudy days count too.
Living in Melbourne, we know sunshine isn't always guaranteed.
But UV radiation can still penetrate cloud cover, and cooler temperatures don't necessarily mean lower UV levels.
In Australia, sun protection is recommended whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above.
It's why we encourage making SPF part of your everyday skincare routine, rather than saving it for sunny days.
Protecting the skin you're investing in.
Whether you're addressing pigmentation, texture or overall skin quality, protecting your skin from UV damage is just as important as the treatments themselves.
Our recommendation? A broad-spectrum SPF 50 or 50+, applied generously and reapplied every two hours when outdoors, alongside other sun protection measures.
Because good skin health isn't just about what we treat. It's about what we prevent.
TR x
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