Sun damage is one of the most common causes of wrinkling and age spots. The effects seem to be mainly fine to moderate sun exposure, fine to light wrinkles, loose skin, age spots, freckles, dark patches, and spider veins. In some cases they result in skin cancer or other precancerous lesions. The first step towards reversing sun damage is avoiding further sun exposure.
The sun damages your skin through long-term changes in your production of collagen and elastin, primarily as a result of ultra-violet (UV) rays. The UVA molecules are extremely powerful in their molecular bonds breaking down the collagen. Long-term changes in collagen and elastin fibers contribute largely to wrinkling, dark patches, and sagging skin all over the face, neck, chest, arms, and shoulders. Even though there is evidence that vitamin D can slow or reverse many signs of sun damage, there are no proven measures that protect against UV damage.
You may not need sunscreen, or even necessarily wear it, but it is sensible to protect your skin with clothing and a good sun protection policy. Dermatologists recommend that you reapply sunscreen every time you go outside until the medication has finished. Another good solution is to use a high SPF lotion every time you go outdoors, but remember that SPF is not a substitute for sunscreen.
Apply the lotion to the lower half of your body, and reapply it to the upper half of your body when you return indoors. Do not forget to apply a sunscreen containing high sun protection factor at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Your sunscreen should also be applied liberally after bathing and swimming. Sunscreens may not always protect against sun damage.
For example, some sunscreen agents do not block UV light, which can already do substantial damage by weakening the skin’s cells. Others do block some of the visible signs of sun damage, such as brown spots, but not others, such as age spots or spider veins, which are actually caused by free radical molecules interacting with DNA.
The molecules may still interact, resulting in wrinkles. Hence, age spots and spider veins may reappear later.
Infographic Source: https://www.globaltintusa.com/blog/2021/03/30/unexpected-places-that-expose-you-to-sun-damage-infographics/