Ultraviolet Light Protection: Is It Really Enough?

Our current understanding of the pathogenesis of skin aging includes the role of ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared, pollution, cigarette smoke and other environmental exposures. The mechanism of action common to these exposures is the disruption of the cellular redox balance by the directly or indirectly increased formation of reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the intrinsic antioxidant defense system, resulting in an oxidative stress condition. Altered redox homeostasis triggers downstream pathways that contribute to tissue oxinflammation (cross-talk between inflammation and altered redox status) and accelerate skin aging. In addition, both ultraviolet light and pollution increase intracellular free iron that catalyzes reactive oxygen species generation via the Fenton reaction. This disruption of iron homeostasis within the cell further promotes oxidative stress and contributes to extrinsic skin aging. More recent studies have demonstrated that iron chelators can be used topically and can enhance the benefits of topically applied antioxidants. Thus, an updated, more comprehensive approach to environmental or atmospheric aging protection should include sun protective measures, broad spectrum sunscreens, antioxidants, chelating agents, and DNA repair enzymes.

Automated summary

Our current understanding of the mechanisms behind skin aging involves various environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared, pollution, cigarette smoke, and others. These factors disrupt the cellular redox balance and lead to an oxidative stress condition by increasing the formation of reactive oxygen species. This disruption triggers downstream pathways that contribute to tissue inflammation and accelerate skin aging. Additionally, ultraviolet light and pollution increase intracellular free iron, which further promotes oxidative stress and contributes to extrinsic skin aging. Recent studies have shown that iron chelators can enhance the benefits of topically applied antioxidants. Therefore, a more comprehensive approach to protect against environmental aging should include sun protection, antioxidants, chelating agents, and DNA repair enzymes.