I want to know! What is the relationship between UV and aging?

UV protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin damage and stains, wrinkles, and sagging. It is important to practice UV measures correctly. So this time, I will introduce in detail the effective UV countermeasure method and the coping method when you get sunburned.

Exposure to UV causes photoaging of the skin. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of photoaging and the types of UV.

What is photoaging?

Photoaging is the damage to the skin exposed to UV rays, causing spots, wrinkles, and sagging. When ultraviolet rays invade the skin, collagen and elastin, which maintain the elasticity of the skin, are destroyed. As a result, the elasticity of the skin decreases and sagging and wrinkles occur.

Difference between UVA and UVB

Ultraviolet rays include UVA, UVB, and UVC, but not all of them reach the ground. It is UVA and UVB that reach the ground and damage the skin. UVA reaches deep into the skin and destroys collagen and elastin. It also has the effect of darkening the skin color by oxidizing the secreted melanin pigment.

UVB causes inflammation on the surface of the skin and causes spots and freckles by secreting a large amount of melanin pigment.

Direct light, scattered light, reflected light

Ultraviolet rays include “direct light” that reaches directly, “scattered light” that arrives scattered in the air, and “reflected light” that reaches the ground. In other words, parasols and hats alone cannot completely block UV rays. It is important to combine multiple UV protections, as UV rays reach the skin in many ways.

The basis of UV protection is to apply sunscreen. However, that alone cannot completely protect the skin from UV rays. Learn more about choosing sunscreen and other UV protection methods.

About SPF and PA

Be sure to check your SPF and PA when choosing sunscreen. SPF indicates “the amount of time that UVB can prevent skin irritation.” A value from 1 to 50+ is set, and the higher the value, the longer the skin inflammation caused by UVB can be prevented.

PA is an “indicator of how strongly UVA can prevent the skin from invading.” “+” Is set in 4 steps, and the larger the number of “+”, the stronger the UVA can be prevented. By choosing a sunscreen with appropriate SPF and PA values ​​depending on the environment on the go, you can prevent the effects of UV rays on your skin.

For example, if you enjoy light sports such as walking only for a short time, sunscreen such as SPF30 and PA +++ will suffice. However, when it comes to marine sports and leisure under the scorching sun, sunscreen like SPF50 and PA ++++ is required.

texture

There are different types of sunscreens such as “cream”, “milk”, “gel” and “spray”. Many of the “creams” are waterproof and are not easy to remove even when used at sea or at leisure. “Milk” has high moisturizing power and easily blends into the skin, so it is suitable for people who tend to dry their skin. “Gel” is light and non-greasy, so it is recommended for people who are not good at sunscreen stickiness. “Spray” is easy to use on the go because it does not use your hands. In addition, it can be easily used on the whole body such as hair and scalp.

Also apply ears, neck, décolletage, back of hands, etc.

Apply sunscreen not only to your face and arms, but also to your ears, back of your neck, decollete, and back of your hands. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, spots, wrinkles, and sagging occur regardless of the part.

parasol

Parasols are effective in blocking UV rays that fall from directly above or diagonally above. Since ordinary umbrellas allow ultraviolet rays to pass through, choose a parasol with a UV cut rate of 99% or more. There are various designs of parasols, so why not try incorporating them as part of your fashion?

UV cut clothing

Wear innerwear or shirts with a UV cut rate of 99% or higher. Clothing with a high UV protection rate is not sold in large numbers, so you may not be able to find clothing with your favorite design.

hat

A wide-brimmed hat protects your face from sunburn as well as your scalp and hair. Choose a hat with a UV cut rate of 99% or higher.

UV cut glasses / sunglasses

Since the skin around the eyes is thin, it is greatly damaged by ultraviolet rays. In addition, when ultraviolet rays enter the eyes, the secretion of melanin pigment is promoted, and it becomes easy for spots and dullness to occur. Protect your eyes and the skin around them from UV rays with UV-cut glasses and sunglasses.

UV cut window sheet

Ultraviolet rays pass through windows and enter a house or car. Therefore, it is important to put a UV cut sticker on the window to prevent the intrusion of ultraviolet rays. Most UV cut stickers are light gray or light blue, but some are transparent. If you don’t want to change the look of your windows, choose a transparent UV-cut window sheet.

If you forget to apply sunscreen or the intensity of UV rays is unexpected, you may get a sunburn. If you get sunburned, do the following:

Moisturize

Sunburned skin loses moisture due to UV rays. If the skin loses water, the barrier function will deteriorate, and if left untreated, inflammation may increase. If you get sunburned, hydrate your skin with a lotion or emulsion as soon as possible.

Cool the affected area

Tanned skin is inflamed. The stronger the inflammation, the more melanin pigment is secreted, increasing the risk of dullness and age spots. Cool the sunburned area with an ice pack wrapped in a cold towel or gauze. If you cool it too much, blood flow will deteriorate, so stop cooling when your skin is no longer hot.

Go to dermatology when it’s terrible

If you have strong inflammation, see a dermatologist early as it may cause bacterial infection or take time to improve if left untreated. Dermatologists can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and other treatments.