How the Sun Ages Your Skin: Before & After Images and How to Protect I

Discover how the sun affects your skin, what photo ageing really means, and how you can protect it from further damage.

We all enjoy soaking up the sun, but without the right protection, it can cause a great amount of damage. Over time, UV rays break down the collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and sun spots, and that’s just what you can see. The impact on your skin’s health runs even deeper.

Want to avoid this at all costs? Explore our practical steps for protecting your skin from the sun, and take a closer look at some before and after images that highlight the effects first hand.

What is Photo Ageing and How Does the Sun Cause It?

Sun exposure is one of the primary causes of premature ageing. We know this as 'photo ageing'. Sun damage to your skin isn’t just about getting sunburnt, it’s the gradual damage caused by long-term exposure to UV rays. These penetrate the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin which are the main things we need to keep our skin looking firm, smooth, and youthful. Over time, this damage leads to the visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, sagging, and uneven skin tone.

The Two Main Contributors For Sun Damage to Skin

There are two main types of UV rays that contribute to photo ageing: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are particularly damaging, as they reach deeper layers of your skin, causing long-term damage that results in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sagging. UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburns and contribute to pigmentation issues like dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Visible Signs of Sun Damage to Skin: Before & After Images

Over time, sun exposure can cause a variety of visible signs of ageing. Some of the most common include:

Fine lines and wrinkles on your forehead and around your eyes and mouth.
Sun spots.
Uneven texture and rough skin.
Redness or broken capillaries.
Dull skin with a lack of radiance.

These visible signs can appear gradually, often after years of unprotected sun exposure. Below you can find how skin is affected by photo ageing with and without protection.

With sun protection:

Without sun protection:

How Quickly Does the Sun Age Your Skin?

It’s easy to assume sun damage takes years to show, but it happens much quicker than you might think. Research shows that up to 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV rays, not just getting older. Every bit of sun exposure adds up, gradually speeding up the ageing process.

The damage starts the moment you step outside, and it doesn’t have to be sunny for your skin to be affected, UV rays are still around on cloudy days. By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, you can help protect your skin, prevent further damage, and reduce the signs of ageing.

Can You Reverse Your Skin Ageing from the Sun?

While you can’t completely undo years of sun damage, you can definitely improve how your skin looks. Using the right ingredients and treatments can help reduce the signs of photo ageing. Vitamin C, retinol, and peptides are great for boosting collagen and repairing your skin from within.

For more advanced treatments, our in-clinic options like chemical peels and micro-needling can help reduce pigmentation and smooth skin texture.

Best Skincare for Sun-Damaged Skin

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - An antioxidant serum that neutralises free radicals and helps your skin recover from sun damage.

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 - Delivers Broad-spectrum protection with additional anti-ageing benefits.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 - A powerful vitamin A serum that accelerates skin renewal and smooths fine lines.

Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+ - Protects your skin from UV damage while targeting sun-induced pigmentation.

Everyday Tips to Prevent Sun Ageing

Apply SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors.
Use antioxidant serums like vitamin C to help protect your skin from oxidative damage.
Keep covered in shaded areas during peak sun hours (11am - 3pm).
Avoid using sunbeds.
Wear sunglasses to protect your delicate eye area.
Get regular skin check-ups and consider professional treatments if necessary.

Sun Damage to Skin & How to Protect It

Understanding how the sun ages your skin helps you make better choices for its long-term health and your skincare routine. Start protecting your skin today with daily SPF and antioxidant-rich skincare to keep it looking healthier and more youthful.

Shop Skincare for Sun-Damaged Skin