Extrinsic aging is caused by external sources, such as climate, pollution, diet, and stress. These factors are largely controllable. The greatest culprit of extrinsic aging is photo-damage or the exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Chronic sun exposure is responsible for most of the visible aging on the face, far greater than any other factor. Thus, the common name for extrinsic aging is photoaging. Changes in the skin’s appearance and structure might manifest through dryness, loss of volume, fine lines and deep wrinkles, sagging, coarseness, blotchy or irregular pigmentation or dark spots, and loss of elasticity.

The Benefits of UV Light
Let’s begin with some good news first – sun exposure, in moderation, actually brings in wellbeing and health. Surprised, right? The truth is that UV rays or the ultraviolet rays of the sun are an essential component required by the human body to produce vitamin D. This vitamin is also known to boost immunity and helps people to retain strength in their bones and muscles.
Additionally, UV rays can help recover from skin ailments like psoriasis, which is symptomized by rapid shedding of the skin, which makes the skin dry and scaly, and causes too much itchiness as well. People with this skin condition are advised to spend some time in the sun since UV rays help slow down the pace at which new skin cells are made in the patient’s body, providing some relief from the constant itchiness and dryness.
Sunshine also helps lift a person’s mood or state of mind, especially if this person has been in a gloomy state of mind from the last few days. Studies have shown a direct relation between sun exposure and the production of mood-lifting hormones such as tryptamines, which is produced in the brain by the pineal gland. So, next time when the dreaded dark days of cold winters arrive, simply plan a trip to somewhere sunny and beachy and beat them blues with sunshine and, of course, positive vibes!
Oxidative Stress for your Skin
Solar radiation, and especially UV radiation, accelerates the signs of skin aging more than anything else in your skin exposome. (Photoaging) It’s important to understand that UVA rays can reach your skin while you’re indoors, outdoors, in the car, and almost everywhere. And this UV radiation, in turn, provokes something called free radicals (unstable molecules). Free radicals then break down proteins in the skin and cause both cell and DNA damage. Luckily, your body has a natural defense against these free radicals: antioxidant production. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and counter the effects of radiation. But when the number of free radicals becomes too great for the antioxidant defenses to fight off? That’s called “oxidative stress” and it’s what leads to visible signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and more.
UVA wavelengths are longer and can penetrate deeper into the dermis. Free radicals from UVA radiation break down skin’s collagen and elastin. UVA rays are known as the aging rays. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is associated with about 90 percent of all skin cancers.
Sunscreen - A Must
It is a must to apply sunscreen on a sunny day with high UV Index, or try to avoid being outside during the hours of the day when ultraviolet exposure is the highest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Broad-spectrum protection is essential to prevent sun damage. Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, deflect the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens, such as stabilized avobenzone and mexoryl, absorb the sun’s rays. You should choose one with an SPF of 30 or more, with water-resistance.
Sunscreen alone cannot fully protect your skin. You should:
wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible
use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase the chance of sunburn
avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkling; instead use a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it
How to Reverse Sun Damage ?
The good news is – there are so many different methods one can adopt to minimize the damage caused by excessive sun exposure. These days, by employing the right kind of products, one can reduce or even reverse the damage which has been caused by the sun.
Stephanie K Cell Regenerating Face Oil can help healing your skin from sun damage and oxidative stress through its antioxidant rich Essential Oils such as Frankincense and Sandalwood. Sandalwood is known as being capable of fighting the damage caused by presence of free radicals such as UV Light. Its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties make Sandalwood Oil effective in skincare products to treat skin that has been damaged from exposure to radiation and pollution. It helps fight rashes, dry skin, sun-tan, facial swelling and other skin woes. Frankincense stimulates cellular regeneration and protects mature skin cells from free radical damage. This allows for faster healing of acne scars and treats post acne hyperpigmentation (dark spots) associated with blemishes as well as sun damaged skin.
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