Sun Exposure and Skin Aging: Two Forces at Play
Like many Canadians, I once joked that sunscreen was optional, especially in the colder months. Yet the signs of aging tell a different story. Skin aging arises from two intertwined forces: intrinsic aging, the natural march of time in our cells, and extrinsic aging, driven largely by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The distinction matters because it frames both risk and prevention.
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Aging
Intrinsic aging is the internal clock—genetics, metabolism, and the passage of years. Extrinsic aging, by contrast, is shaped by environmental factors, notably sun exposure. Over time, repeated UV hits can alter collagen and elastin in the dermis, thinning the skin and creating wrinkles, spots, and a duller complexion long before we expect it.
UV Rays: UVA vs UVB and Their Effects
Two bands of UV radiation reach the Earth: UVB and UVA. UVB drives sunburn and direct DNA damage, while UVA penetrates deeper, breaking down collagen and elastin fibers that keep skin firm. The Canadian Dermatology Association notes that a substantial portion of visible aging on sun-exposed skin is due to the sun—an estimated 90 percent in many cases. That stark figure underscores a simple truth: protection isn’t just for summer; it’s a year-round health habit.
Why Sunscreen Matters Every Day
Even when the sky is cloudy, UVA rays persist and accumulate damage. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps shield against UVA and UVB. Dermatologists routinely recommend applying sunscreen each morning and reapplying every two hours when outdoors. In addition to sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade are practical steps to reduce lifetime UV exposure. The goal isn’t perfection but lowering cumulative risk—even during Canadian winters.
A Real-World Check: A Journalist’s Skin Analysis
Inspired by a Guardian report, my colleague Jean Siag and I decided to test our skin in a medico-esthetic clinic. A non-invasive imaging device analyzed wrinkles and pigmented spots to quantify our skin’s age relative to our own years. The exercise wasn’t about cosmetic tricks; it was about health: how much sun damage have we accumulated, and what does that mean for future risk?
What the Findings Might Reveal
Expectations aside, the science is clear: repeated sun exposure accelerates aging and raises skin cancer risk. In the coming weeks, we’ll share the results of our personal analyses and detail the steps we plan to take to protect our skin going forward. This journey emphasizes a fundamental point: aging is not a fixed fate when preventive care is within reach.
Protective Steps and Health Risks
A practical, health-focused approach combines sunscreen with other sun-smart behaviors. For Canadians, that means adopting a year-round routine that protects against UVA and UVB rays, even in winter. It also means regular skin checks to spot new or changing lesions, and seeking professional evaluation if something looks suspicious.
Practical Tips for Canadians
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to all exposed skin daily; reapply every two hours outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours and avoid tanning beds.
- Perform self-checks on moles and skin changes; see a dermatologist if anything looks abnormal.
Our skin tells a story—of age, lifestyle, and health. Choosing protection now helps author a healthier chapter for the years ahead.
