The sun shines bright, and with skin cancer rates rising faster than almost any other cancer, safeguarding our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation has never been more crucial. While sunscreen is our primary defense, incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine can offer added protection. In this article, we’ll provide effective tips for skin protection and explore how antioxidants can bolster your defense against UV damage.

The impact of UV radiation on skin

UV radiation comes to the earth surface in two primary types:

• UVB: Targets the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), causing most sunburns.
• UVA: Penetrates deeper into the inner layer (the dermis), contributing to skin aging.

Unprotected exposure to both UVA and UVB rays damages DNA in skin cells, leading to genetic mutations that can result in skin cancer and premature aging. Skin damage accumulates over time, beginning with your very first sunburn. The risk of skin cancer increases with each burn, and even a single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, later in life.

9 in 10 cases of melanoma is linked to UV exposure

Historically rare, melanoma has seen a dramatic rise in incidence over the past 50 years, with 9 in 10 cases attributable to UV exposure. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, melanoma ranks 17th in incidence and 22nd in mortality globally.

Although more common among older adults, melanoma also affects adolescents and young adults, making it one of the leading cancer in terms of average years of life lost per death. For a helpful guide to examining your skin, see the American Academy of Dermatology's images.

High rates of skin cancer in the Nordics and Australia

Skin cancer rates are alarmingly high in regions like Scandinavia, Australia, and New Zealand. Areas closer to the equator, such as Australia, experience higher melanoma rates due to intense UV radiation. Conversely, regions at higher latitudes, like Scandinavia, report high melanoma rates likely due to intermittent intense sun exposure during summer months and increased susceptibility to sunburns in fair-skinned populations.

Sunscreen: The basics and application

Chemical vs. physical sunscreens

Sunscreens can be categorized into two main types:

• Chemical: Absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
• Physical: Act as a barrier, reflecting UV radiation away from the skin.

Both types have their advantages. Choosing the right one depends on your skin type and preferences. For guidance on how to check sunscreens free from unwanted chemicals, check out this article.

Proper application

To ensure maximum protection, it's essential to apply:

• Use an adequate amount of sunscreen: approximately a tablespoon for your face and a shot glass amount for your body
• Apply sunscreen in two layers for improved UV protection. Apply one layer, let it dry, and then apply a second layer
• Don’t forget often-neglected areas like your lips and the tops of your neck
• Reapply every second hour

The four S's of sun protection

To effectively protect your skin from UV radiation, remember these four S's:

• Shadow
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Shades

Seeking shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, applying sunscreen, and using sunglasses can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. A common irritation with sunscreen, especially physical sunscreens, is the white stains they leave on the skin. However, these stains often disappear if you allow the sunscreen to dry in the sun for a few minutes.

Antioxidants: A second line of defense

While sunscreen is crucial in preventing immediate UV damage, antioxidants offer an additional layer of protection by working both before and after sun exposure. Here’s how they complement each other:

The role of antioxidants

Sunscreen acts as the first line of defense by blocking or absorbing UV radiation before it penetrates the skin. This helps prevent immediate damage, such as sunburn and direct DNA mutations that can lead to skin cancer.

However, some UV radiation may still penetrate the skin, despite using sunscreen, triggering the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These harmful molecules cause oxidative stress, which can damage proteins, fats, and DNA in the skin, leading to inflammation, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Antioxidants provide both preventive and reparative benefits. When applied before sun exposure, they help neutralize free radicals as they form, reducing oxidative stress from the start. During and after sun exposure, antioxidants continue to neutralize ROS, helping to repair and protect the skin from the long-term effects of UV damage.

Learn more in this article, and watch the brief video to understand how antioxidants help maintain healthy skin.

Finding products with antioxidants

Integrating antioxidant-rich products into your skincare routine can reduce oxidative stress and support skin health. Common antioxidants in skincare products include:

• Vitamins E
• Vitamins C
• Green tea extract
• Enzymatic antioxidants - less used but still effective

Less used but very effective antioxidants are enzymatic antioxidants.

Unfortunately, not all products claiming to contain antioxidants are effective. To ensure efficacy, the product should:

1. Have a high antioxidant capacity

2. Feature a stable formulation

3. Contain concentrations that provide significant protective effect

Recent advancements in skincare technology focus on enhancing the efficacy of different ingredients. For more on this, see our detailed article.

Finding effective antioxidant products can be challenging, so opting for reputable brands with strong scientific backing can be beneficial. Consider requesting documentation or additional information from companies to ensure you choose high-quality products that offer added protection against UV damage. Protecting your skin is also very important if you have sensitive skin, as sensitive skin tends to react more easily to environmental stressors, including UV radiation.

 

In summary, while sunscreen prevents immediate UV damage, antioxidants work to reduce oxidative stress before, during, and after sun exposure, offering a comprehensive approach to skin protection. Together, they provide a robust defense system, helping you maintain healthy skin even when the sun shines bright.