Photoaging – What causes it and how can I prevent it?

Photoaging is premature skin aging caused by over exposure to the sun’s rays.

When skin ages prematurely it develops signs of aging faster than one would expect. Research shows that up to 90% of all symptoms of premature skin aging are caused by UV
exposure¹.

^{1 Ramos-e-Silva et al., ‘Anti-aging cosmetics: Facts and controversies’. Clin Dermatol. 2013 Nov-Dec; 31(6): 750-8.}

A UV camera can reveal sun-induced skin damage before it is visible to the human eye.

The best way to protect skin from photoaging is to limit the time spent in the sun, avoid it during its most intense hours, wear protective clothing and apply a superior sun protection product that offers the level of protection that your skin needs. We also recommend that you use sun protection products that have been specially formulated to suit your skin type and condition. As the face, hands and décolleté are more exposed to the sun than the rest of the body these areas need specific and consistent year-round protection to help reduce visible signs of aging.

All face and body sunscreens in the Eucerin sun protection range for adults include Eucerin’s Advanced Spectral Technology which combines broadband and photostable UVA/UVB filters1 for superior UV protection with Licochalcone A, a powerful antioxidant which works to neutralize the free radicals caused by UV and HEVIS light. The Eucerin Kids range of sun protection products for children also works to protect sensitive young skin from premature skin aging. Find out more in Why do babies and children need special sun protection?

If photoaging is your primary skin concern try:

• Eucerin Sun Fluid Photoaging Control SPF 50 and Eucerin Sun Creme Tinted Photoaging Control SPF 50+ Medium

In addition to Eucerin’s Advanced Spectral Technology the products contain Glycyrrhetinic Acid which supports skin’s own DNA repair mechanism and Hyaluronic Acid which visibly reduces signs of aging. The tinted products also contain color pigments that help to cover uneven pigmentation and instantly unify the complexion.

If hyperpigmentation on your face is your primary skin concern try Eucerin Even Pigment Perfector Sun Fluid SPF 50+ 

In addition to Eucerin’s Advanced Spectral Technology it contains Glycyrrhetinic Acid (to support skin’s own DNA repair mechanism) and Thiamidol. A unique and patented active, Thiamidol acts at the root cause of hyperpigmentation. 

While prevention is best, once you have dark spots Thiamidol is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce dark spots and prevent their re-appearance. 

You can read more about how to minimize the risks of exposure, how to choose the right sun protection products for your skin and how best to apply them in Why do I 
need daily sun protection for my face? and How should I protect my body from the sun? 
 
^{1 Meeting the highest standards for UVA and UVB protection as defined by Cosmetics Europe. The levels of UVA protection are higher than the EU requirement.}