As Britons enjoy the warmer weather, an expert has warned about the ageing effects of spending time outdoors without sun protection.
Not only can UV rays make signs of ageing more obvious, but skin loses its natural protection with age, chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare Bruce Green explained.
He told GB News: "As we get older, our skin's natural barrier weakens, collagen production declines, and the skin becomes thinner.
“Older skin has fewer melanocytes/cells that produce protective pigment, thus increasing UV sensitivity. This means UV rays can penetrate more deeply and cause more significant damage, accelerating fine lines, pigmentation, and loss of firmness.”
Prevention is better than cure, the expert advised
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Not only can sun exposure damage your skin, it can lead to early ageing. The skin care expert shared the importance of wearing a high-factor SPF every day.
Bruce continued: “There are a number of protective habits I always recommend, particularly as skin matures. First and foremost, double down on SPF.
"Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 or higher and make it a daily ritual, even on cloudy days. If you’re spending time outdoors, be sure to reapply every two hours."
Pairing SPF with other hydrating products will help your sun protection work more effectively, and the expert recommended looking for particular ingredients.
The expert continued: “Hydrated skin is more resilient. Using products like the SOS H20 Day Cream SPF30, packed with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, can help maintain moisture and improve barrier function, making the skin less reactive to sun exposure.
"Topical antioxidants are another key tool in the fight against sun damage. Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and green tea extract help to neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure and support overall skin health.”
After spending a day in the sun, it is important to apply the correct aftercare. Bruce explained: “It’s also essential to soothe sun-stressed skin. Products like the SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream and SOS Night Cream are formulated to calm and repair, using barrier-supporting and anti-inflammatory ingredients that work particularly well on more delicate, ageing skin."
Supplements, regular checkups and other protective measures are also important when trying to avoid the impact of skin damage, whether than be signs of ageing or more serious complications.
The expert explained: “I also recommend seeing a dermatologist annually for a skin cancer screening. And don’t underestimate the basics. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can go a long way in shielding areas like the eyes and forehead, where crow’s feet and pigmentation tend to appear first.
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SPF can help slow down the ageing process GETTY "Diet and supplements such as omega 3 (fish oil), polyphenols (Green Tea) and lycopene (tomatoes) can help give additional UV protection.
"Prevention is always better than cure. By combining sun protection, antioxidants and skin repair, you can significantly keep skin healthier and more youthful.
"Don’t wait for visible sun damage to appear; start protecting your skin early, and adapt your routine as it matures. That’s the real secret to long-lasting skin health.”
