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Sun and Skin Ageing: UV, Visible Light, Choosing Sunscreen and Protecting Aesthetic Results
How sun ages skin (photoageing), UVA vs UVB, SPF and broad spectrum, correct amount and reapplication, sun protection after aesthetic treatments and common myths.
Alongside genetics and time, the sun may be the biggest driver of skin ageing. Photoageing — wrinkles, spots, laxity, rough texture — is largely preventable.
| Radiation | Effect | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| UVB | Sunburn, higher skin cancer risk | Stronger in summer and midday |
| UVA | Premature ageing, spots, collagen damage | All year; passes through glass |
| Visible light | Spots and melasma in some | Especially darker skin |
| Infrared (heat) | Heat-related pigment | Relevant in melasma |
SPF mainly reflects UVB protection; broad spectrum means UVA protection too; use SPF 30+ daily and SPF 50 for long exposure; tinted products add visible-light protection for pigment-prone skin.
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Face amount | About two finger-lengths |
| Timing | 15–20 minutes before going out |
| Reapplication | Every 2–3 hours outdoors; after sweating or swimming |
| Forgotten areas | Ears, neck, décolletage, hands, hair parting |
| Over makeup | Spray or powder forms |
Using half the recommended amount can substantially reduce protection.
| Skin type | Suitable form |
|---|---|
| Oily / acne-prone | Light gel or fluid, non-comedogenic |
| Dry | Moisturising cream |
| Sensitive | Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), fragrance-free |
| Pigment-prone | Tinted, high protection |
| After | Why |
|---|---|
| Chemical peels | New skin is very sun-sensitive |
| Laser and light | Pigment and burn risk |
| Microneedling | Pigment risk while healing |
| Pigment treatments | Sun reverses gains |
| Fillers and toxin | Avoid strong sun and heat early |
| PMU and SMP | Sun speeds fading |
Myths: "No sunscreen on cloudy days" — UV passes through clouds; "not needed in winter" — UVA persists; "dark skin isn't affected" — pigment risk can be high; "SPF makeup is enough" — rarely applied in sufficient amounts; "not needed indoors" — UVA through windows; "once a day is enough" — reapply.
Also: wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses, shade around 11:00–16:00, UV-protective clothing, no sunbeds.
See dermatology promptly for any new, growing, changing, bleeding or non-healing lesion.
At our Istanbul clinic we give sun-protection advice suited to your skin after treatments, considering local conditions such as Yalova's seaside life and summer heat in Bursa and Kocaeli.
