Most people associate the sun with a radiant complexion. But UV rays can damage the skin and are a major cause of premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation and dry skin. Long-term UV exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer. Read more about the effects of UV radiation on skin health and how sun-damaged skin can be repaired and made radiant again with epigenetic skin care.
How does UV damage affect the skin?
Sun damage, often called photodamage, is damage to the DNA of skin cells. It has various effects on skin health.
Premature skin aging
Repeated and strong exposure to the sun can lead to premature skin aging, also known as photoaging. Invisible UVA and UVB rays in particular generate free radicals, unstable molecules that attack cells. This causes permanent damage to the connective tissue and the formation of wrinkles. Even without exposure to the sun, collagen production decreases with age. However, UV rays accelerate this natural process by activating certain enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases - MMPs) that break down collagen. The skin on the face, shoulders and arms is most commonly affected by photoaging, as it is particularly exposed to solar radiation in summer.
Epigenetically effective peptides can prevent premature skin aging by positively changing gene expression to promote skin renewal and improve the appearance of the skin over time. The skin aging process can thus be significantly slowed down. One of the most advanced peptides is Royal Epigen P5®. It is the main active ingredient in the deep-acting intensive serum ROYAL. In addition to Royal Epigen P5®, the serum contains astaxanthin, one of the most effective cell-protecting antioxidants, which protects the skin from changes caused by stress, UV radiation and other environmental influences. The epigenetic ingredients of ROYAL cause an immediate lifting effect and also optimize cell function. The active ingredient combination of vitamin A and hyaluronic acid, as contained in EYE by Dr. Tonar Cosmetics, also counteracts premature skin aging. Collagen production is stimulated and fine lines and wrinkles disappear.
Hyperpigmentation
When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces melanocytes as part of the body's natural immune response to protect against UV damage. However, excessive sun exposure or certain skin conditions can lead to an overproduction of melanin. This excess melanin leads to increased pigmentation of the skin, which is known as hyperpigmentation. The heavily pigmented areas of skin can appear in various forms, e.g. as sun spots or as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun spots are usually caused by years of sun exposure without an appropriate sun protection factor and are particularly common on the face, hands and décolleté. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, can occur after inflammation of the skin, such as acne or injuries. The affected areas of skin are darker pigmented than the surrounding skin.
The oil-free hyaluronic serum BOOST contains both vitamin C and vitamin B3, which work against hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has a pigment-lightening effect and, together with other antioxidants, protects the skin from environmental influences. The breakdown of collagen, elastin and keratin is also inhibited by ascorbic acid and their synthesis is promoted. Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, also works against hyperpigmentation. The niacinamide refines the pores, counteracts wrinkles, reduces skin imperfections and ensures an even complexion. Permanent facial redness can be reduced with vitamin B3. Another epigenetic active ingredient that works against hyperpigmentation at the cellular level is fruit acid. The glycolic acid contained in the NIGHT night cream gently but effectively exfoliates the top layer of skin. This peeling effect accelerates cell renewal and can thus reduce hyperpigmentation.
Sunburn
Sunburn and changes in skin texture are usually caused by excessive exposure to the sun, which penetrates the epidermis (the protective layer of the skin). This is more than just redness. Sunburn damages the DNA of skin cells and triggers an inflammatory reaction in the body, which typically manifests itself in red, hot and sensitive skin. This cell damage can lead to mutations and increase the risk of skin cancer. Adequate protection from solar radiation is therefore of great importance for skin health.
Sunburn can be well treated with epigenetic skin care. The fruit acid, which is effective on a cellular level, is particularly effective for sunburn because it stimulates cell renewal and regeneration of the skin barrier by gently exfoliating the top layer of skin. Vitamin E also has a cell-protecting and cell-renewing effect and reduces UV-related skin damage. The active ingredient phytosqualane also protects irritated skin from moisture loss. The combination of these active ingredients enables optimal regeneration of sun-stressed skin. Dr. Tonar Cosmetics NIGHT night care combines these active ingredients in one cream and is therefore perfect for treating sunburn.
Moisture loss
Excessive UV exposure can damage the skin's moisture barrier and impair its ability to retain moisture. Combined with heavy sweating in high temperatures, this can lead to dehydration and loss of important moisture in the skin's layers.
The oil-free hyaluronic serum BOOST restores moisture to the skin with epigenetic active ingredients. Dexpanthenol and ectoin are particularly effective for dry and stressed skin. The epigenetically effective dexpanthenol, also known as provitamin B5, provides particularly high levels of moisture and promotes the regeneration and wound healing of the skin. Ectoin complements the effect of provitamin B5 by protecting the skin at the cellular level from dryness, heat and environmental influences. It also counteracts transperidermal water loss.
UV radiation is one of the main causes of premature skin aging, skin damage and skin cancer. Epigenetically effective skin care products can stimulate the skin's repair mechanisms to improve skin health and quickly reduce UV damage. The skin's barrier function is also strengthened and the penetration of harmful substances is prevented. After all, an intact skin barrier is the best protection against external influences. However, appropriate sun protection should always be worn against UV radiation; a healthy skin barrier alone does not protect against UV damage.
