MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • On Trend
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
In Partnership With L'Oreal Paris
  1. Home
  2. Beauty

How Sun Damage Prematurely Ages Your Skin

And what you can do about it - by Anna McClelland
  • 23 Jul 2018
How Sun Damage Prematurely Ages Your Skin

Beyond a smattering of freckles and the odd burn each summer, it’s easy to ignore the effects of the sun on our skin. But, putting the very real possibility of skin cancer aside, the sun’s rays can – and do – wreak all kinds of havoc, all year long.

Off the back of research that found Australian women are ageing 20 years faster than anyone else in the world, thanks to – you guessed it – the harmful effects of our country’s high UV levels, we investigated the real effects of sun damage on your skin. This is what you need to know.

Sun damage is the leading cause of premature ageing

No matter how diligently you slather on anti-ageing serums and creams, if you neglect the SPF, all your efforts are in vain. According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, most premature skin ageing is caused by sun exposure.

“Ask any expert what their number one anti-ageing tip is and they will tell you it’s daily application of SPF,” says marie claire acting beauty director Sally Hunwick. “Look for a formulation with an SPF of 15 or above and wear it every day; rain, hair or shine.” Our pick? The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 SPF 15 moisturiser, the newest addition to the Revitalift Laser X3 range, which combines powerful anti-ageing actives with all-important broad spectrum SPF, making it an ideal daily moisturiser.

Sun damage can make you look older in more ways than one

The sun’s UV rays damage the elastin and collagen fibres in our skin, resulting in everything from freckles and age spots to spider veins, thinning of the skin to fine lines, wrinkles, blotchiness and yellowing. 

“Over time, exposure to the sun will cause skin issues such as pigmentation, premature lines and wrinkles, redness and dullness,” adds Hunwick. “There have been many studies to show that issues such as pigmentation can make a person look older than they really are – clarity is seen as a sign of youth.”

sun damage premature ageing
Getty

How to prevent sun damage

We all know we should be wearing sunscreen – but so many women get stuck on how much they should apply, and how often. Cancer Council guidelines recommend one teaspoon for the face (including neck and ears), with another teaspoon for each arm, leg and front and back of the torso (seven teaspoons total). And we’re not just talking about when you hit the beach: SPF is a must every single day, even if you’re just commuting to and from the office.

How to minimise the effects

“When it comes to reversing the signs of ageing, many women are seeking out high tech treatments such as laser, which use laser light to break up pigmentation to reveal clearer skin,” explains Hunwick. “They are also getting treatments such as micro-needling, which creates micro damage to the skin to help stimulate collagen production to help rebuild skin – this is great for pigmentation, premature lines and wrinkles.”

l'oreal revitalift laser x3 spf 15 day cream moisturiser

L’Oréal Revitalift Laser X3 SPF 15 Day Cream

If cosmetic procedures aren’t your style, try L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 range. It has been proven to be so powerful it challenges a laser session*, thanks to a trio of highly active anti-ageing ingredients. Think fragmented hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth skin texture, adenosine to repair damage and Pro-Xylane to stimulate the production of the skin’s natural components to re-plump from within.

In the case of the new Revitalift Laser X3 SPF 15 moisturiser, these anti-ageing actives are combined with SPF to protect your skin against sun damage.

*Single session of co2 fractioned laser vs use of laser x3 day cream for 4 weeks.

  • Beauty
  • Skin Care
Anna McClelland
Anna McClelland
Anna is marie claire and InStyle's assistant digital content manager, reporting on everything from sell-out skincare to Meghan Markle's messy bun. Her work has taken her to tea with Miranda Kerr, the red carpet with Margot Robbie and New York with Jason Wu. Her words can also be found on Vogue, Body & Soul and Buro 24/7.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Why Sunscreen Is The Anti-Ageing Product You Need Every Day

Why Sunscreen Is The Anti-Ageing Product You Need Every Day

Skincare Power Couple: How To Combine Niacinamide And Vitamin C

Skincare Power Couple: How To Combine Niacinamide And Vitamin C

Your No-Nonsense Guide To Sun Safety This Summer

Your No-Nonsense Guide To Sun Safety This Summer

Before & After: The Anti-Ageing Products Skin Experts Swear By

Before & After: The Anti-Ageing Products Skin Experts Swear By

{headline}

{headline}

Add To Cart: We’ve Found Our New Favourite Online Beauty Store

Add To Cart: We’ve Found Our New Favourite Online Beauty Store

3 Powerful Antioxidants Your Skin Needs, Pronto

3 Powerful Antioxidants Your Skin Needs, Pronto

If Your Eyes Are Paying The Price For Excessive Screen Time, Here's What To Do

If Your Eyes Are Paying The Price For Excessive Screen Time, Here's What To Do

{headline}

{headline}

11 Of The Best Facial Sunscreens To Consider Adding To Your Beauty Collection

11 Of The Best Facial Sunscreens To Consider Adding To Your Beauty Collection

This Is The Perfect Routine To Future-Proof Your Skin

This Is The Perfect Routine To Future-Proof Your Skin

These Physical Sunscreens Are The Natural SPF Of Choice For All Skin Types

These Physical Sunscreens Are The Natural SPF Of Choice For All Skin Types

Need A New SPF? Get In Line

Need A New SPF? Get In Line

Top Selling Face Creams In Australia

Top Selling Face Creams In Australia

Get a FREE skin check!

Get a FREE skin check!

Can You Train Your Skin To Age Backwards?

Can You Train Your Skin To Age Backwards?

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire