Sunlight consists of different types of radiation, one of which is ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation). It is important that we protect ourselves against this. For example, based on your genetic profile, you can see that you have a normal predisposition to skin aging as a result of exposure to UV radiation. We can also indicate whether you need extra UV protection. It is important to protect your skin from UV sensitivity.
How can we protect our skin from UV sensitivity?
Below we discuss six different components that are essential for protection against UV sensitivity:
- Sun protection factor
Sun protection products (sunscreen) are generally classified on the basis of the so-called ‘sun protection factor’ (SPF). The SPF stands for the part of the UVB rays that still penetrate the skin when the sunscreen is applied correctly and in the right amount (Note: this is much thicker than most people put on). When using a cream with SPF 15, this means that 1/15th of the UV radiation penetrates into the skin. Using a sunscreen can also slow the development of wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Chemical and physical filters in sunscreen
You may have heard of the two different types of sun protection that exist, those with chemical filters and those with physical filters. Chemical filters are developed in labs and offer an SPF. They mainly provide protection against UVB rays, and provide protection through absorption of the harmful radiation. Physical filters contain natural ingredients and provide physical protection against UV radiation by creating a barrier, an example of such a protective ingredient is zinc oxide.
- Vitamin C
The antioxidant activity of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the role it plays in collagen production make vitamin C an essential molecule in maintaining healthy skin. Also, antioxidants can neutralize the free radicals released by sun exposure. For that reason (sunscreen) creams with vitamin C can play a positive role.
- Retinoids
Retinoids are a collective term for chemical compounds related to vitamin A. They perform a variety of functions in the body, including anti-inflammatory and new blood vessel formation. For that reason, retinoids are a functional ingredient for skin products in the treatment of acne, skin aging and hyperpigmentation. However, these creams can dry out the skin, so ideally be incorporated into or combined with a highly moisturizing cream. In addition, retinoids are unstable in light, so they are preferably used in a night cream.
- Antioxidant Functions
Neutralizing free radicals created under the influence of UV radiation. For that reason, combining UV filters and antioxidants provides additional protection against sun damage to the skin.
- Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a common component in beauty salon exfoliating treatments, as well as in consumer products. Glycolic acid penetrates the skin and weakens the fats that hold the dead skin cells of the epidermis together, making it easier to remove the dead skin cells. Products with different concentrations of glycolic acid are available, however, be very careful when applying to the skin as it is an acid.
Skin aging and your genetic profile
What about the need for your skin for extra protection against UV sensitivity. If you have a normal predisposition, this means that you should protect your skin well at all times, but you do not necessarily have to use a cream with SPF outside the summer, and if you prefer this, you also have a lower factor. may already be well protected.
In this way we can give you advice about UV sensitivity and skin aging based on our DNA Skin test.
We look at the following genes:
- rs10733310 : BNC2 – Associated with pigmented spots
- rs12203592 : IRF4 – Associated with hair, skin color and pigmentation spots
- rs6059655 : RALY – Associated with pigmentation spots after exposure to sunlight
- rs4880 : SOD2 – Associated with skin aging due to sunlight
- rs322458 : STXBP5L – Associated with the loss of firmness and wrinkling of the skin
- rs2228479 : MC1R – Associated with sagging cheeks
Buy your skin report now
In our DNA reporting which focuses on the skin ( Dermagenomics) you will get information about the following components:
- Acne: Information based on your genetic profile about your predisposition to acne.
- UV sensitivity: Information based on your genetic profile about skin aging, pigmentation spots, wrinkle formation, drooping cheeks and advice.