Photoprotection for Highly Exposed Areas

Photoprotection for sensitive facial skin

While biological ageing is genetically determined, premature ageing of the skin, particularly on the face and hands, can be attributed to exogenous stress. There is no doubt that UV radiation is one of the most important factors in premature ageing of the skin. The face is especially affected for the following reasons:

Due to permanent sun exposure the facial skin with its thin epidermis is at particular risk and unable to respond to the constant UV-burden with adequate thickening of the horny layer. In addition, the lips in particular cannot form pigmentation. The consequences of frequent exposure to the sun are wrinkling, premature UV-induced skin changes (premature ageing), and skin tumours.

Damage to the epidermis and connective tissue markedly reduces the stability and elasticity of the skin. The visible effects of damaged connective tissue are often described as "sagging (i)". Damage to DNA of the epidermis can cause actinic keratosis (i), basal cell carcinomas (i) and squamous cell carcinomas (i) to develop. This is especially true for people who stay outdoors unprotected on a daily basis.

Results of a study have shown that daily application of a sunscreen over a 2-year period can significantly reduce damage to the dermal connective tissue (solar elastosis (i)) and protect from actinic keratosis (i).