Understanding the Effects of UV Rays on Collagen Production and Premature Aging

With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to refresh your UV knowledge and learn essential skin health tips. Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause collagen damage and lead to premature aging, so here are steps you can take to protect this precious protein called collagen — as well as products you can add to your skincare arsenal this summer season.

Besides seeking shade during peak hours of the day and wearing protective clothing, applying broad spectrum sunscreen is an essential step to incorporate into your daily skincare ritual.

• Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is crucial because it blocks about 97% of UVB rays. It’s also ideal to look for formulations that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Explore all of Swissline’s sunscreens.
• Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, using about two finger lengths' worth for your face. This is crucial, especially if you're swimming or sweating.

Dr. Soma, a renowned UK dermatologist emphasizes the crucial impact UV exposure on skin aging:

 “Certain environmental aggressors can accelerate skin ageing, the most significant being exposure to sunlight. UV emitted from the sun’s rays leads to generation of free radicals which deplete our natural anti-oxidant resources. Like termites, these free radicals eventually lead to degradation of collagen and elastin, the structural scaffolding of our skin, which eventually translates into wrinkles, pigmentation and dull texture. This is why virtually every dermatologist will recommend daily high factor sunscreen, especially in the summer when the UV index is at its highest, and anti-oxidants to help supplement our natural resources.” - Dr. Soma Instagram

The Power of Antioxidants: When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it leads to the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species). Antioxidants play an essential role in counteracting the harmful effects of ROS and topical products containing vitamins C and E, and green tea polyphenols, can protect collagen from oxidative damage. Here are some effective antioxidants skincare products to consider in your skincare routine.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can boost collagen production and protect against UV-induced damage. Look for serums or moisturizers containing stabilized vitamin C for maximum effectiveness. Swissline’s Radiance Booster is a great option to add into your existing moisturizer.

Vitamin E helps to neutralize free radicals and works synergistically with vitamin C to enhance sun protection. Our New Never-Creased SPF 50 PA++++ formula uses vitamin E and niacinamide - also an antioxidant.

 

SOD & Glutathione are the two most important cellular anti-oxidants naturally present in human skin and they help to revert many aging processes, including those that lead to pigmentation disorders and loss of collagen. Our Age Intelligence Good Water is a refreshing toner that hydrates, cleanses and builds skin resilience and fits perfectly into your daily ritual.

To further enhance your skin’s resilience against UV damage, consider using collagen-rich products such as collagen creams and collagen serums to support skin firmness. For optimal results, adopt a daily regimen that combines high-quality skincare products along with collagen supplements to promote healthy, youthful skin.

1. Retinoids:
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) can stimulate collagen production and accelerate skin cell turnover. They are very effective in repairing UV-induced damage and improving skin texture. Swissline’s Youth Booster is a skin serum with retinol that stimulates cellular rejuvenation.

2. Peptides:
Peptides are small proteins that can signal the skin to produce more collagen, so we recommend looking for products containing peptides to promote skin firmness and elasticity. Our Cell Shock products 360° Anti-Wrinkle Serum and 360° Anti-Wrinkle Eye Zone Serum are formulated with a triple collagen complex of soluble collagen, collagen boosting peptides, and collagen protective factors. Lastly, our best-selling collagen creams are fantastic options to moisturizer mature, dry skin.