Last Updated:
Certain treatments and creams/serums application can partially reverse the effect of photoaging but deep wrinkles or DNA mutations, once occurred, cannot be fully undone.
The harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun are responsible for wearing down the skin collagen (backbone of the skin’s structural matrix), making the fine lines and wrinkles more prominent.
Exposure to sun is the leading causative factor behind premature skin aging and damages the skin in other ways. The harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun are responsible for wearing down the skin collagen (backbone of the skin’s structural matrix), making the fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. Additionally, the UV rays exposure to the skin also predisposes it to hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Now, talking about reversal of the skin damage caused by UV rays, it is good to state that partial reversal may be possible with the latest advancements in dermatological skin treatments, considering the amount of damage that skin has suffered.
Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Founder, Eden Skin Clinic shares all you need to know:
Sun’s damaging effect on the skin
The harmful rays of the sun have the potential to age the skin early, also known as photoaging. The structural protein of the skin responsible for providing it flexibility and firmness, collagen and elastin, undergo degradation making the skin appear saggy and full of wrinkles. Even skin shows signs of pigmentation in the form of sunspots, melasma etc. UV rays are debilitating enough to induce DNA mutations, making the skin prone to cancer. Complete reversal of skin damage is not possible but certain treatments and application can help to partially repair the skin as mentioned below:
- Topical retinoids – Retinoids’ application is the gold standard treatment to reverse sun damage as it gives a boost to the synthesis of collagen and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation too.
- Antioxidants – The role of antioxidant enriched creams and serums on skin is to scavenge free radicals that are produced by exposure to UV rays. Vitamin C is known for skin brightening properties, vitamin E provides a strong defensive barrier against free radicals’ damage and niacinamide (vitamin B3) reduces skin inflammation.
- Chemical peels – Using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) helps in skin’s exfoliation and aids in improving skin texture and reduces the signs of pigmentation.
- Laser Therapy – This treatment mode is efficient to reduce hyperpigmentation by stimulating collagen production and improving overall skin texture.
- Sunscreen – Though overlooked, application of a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 for 365 days a year is the main preventive strategy to protect sun damage and even improve the existing skin damage.Certain treatments and creams/serums application can partially reverse the effect of photoaging but deep wrinkles or DNA mutations, once occurred, cannot be fully undone. Prevention stays the key to protect the skin.
