The Truth About UV Rays: How They Harm Your Skin

We all love the feeling of sunshine on our skin—but what’s really happening beneath the surface when we soak up those rays? The truth is, UV exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging—and its effects are often invisible until the damage is already done.

If you're aiming for youthful, glowing skin, understanding UV radiation and the role of professional treatments can be a game-changer in your skincare routine.

What Are UV Rays—and Why Are They So Harmful?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible rays of energy emitted by the sun. There are three types, but only two reach your skin:

• UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the dermis (the skin’s thickest layer) and are responsible for photoaging—causing wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sunspots.

• UVB rays: These affect the outer layer of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

How UV Rays Damage Your Skin:

• Break down collagen and elastin → leading to sagging and fine lines

• Trigger melanin overproduction → causing age spots and uneven tone

• Create free radicals → which accelerate aging and cellular damage

• Weaken the skin barrier → making skin more vulnerable to dehydration and irritation

And here’s the kicker: up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure—not genetics.

The Role of Professional Skin Treatments in Repairing and Protecting Skin

While daily SPF and a solid home routine are non-negotiable, professional skin treatments go deeper. Think of them as your skin’s reset button—a way to detox, restore, and rejuvenate after sun exposure.

• Deep Hydration Treatments

UV rays strip your skin of moisture. Leonie Thorne Skin Studios Custom Facials use hyaluronic acid, peptides, and soothing botanical masks to help restore hydration and repair the skin barrier.

Bonus: We offer oxygen infusion within the Custom 75 & 90, which promotes healing and gives the skin a post-sun glow.

• Chemical Peels and Exfoliation

Dead skin cells caused by sun exposure can clog pores and dull your glow. Medical -grade chemical peels safely slough off damaged layers, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin.

Tip: Our Algae Renewal 60 stimulates the creation of new collagen in 24-48 hours, reducing the skins natural renewal process from 6 weeks to just 72 hours.

• LED Light Therapy

Red LED light helps repair UV-induced damage by stimulating collagen and reducing inflammation. It’s non-invasive and a favourite for anti-aging and sun damage reversal.

• Custom Treatments for Pigmentation

At Leonie Thorne Skin Studio we can tailor treatments to target sunspots, melasma, and discoloration.

• Professional Guidance

We can help you understand your skin type, spot early signs of sun damage, and build a protective routine moving forward. Think of it as having a coach for your skin’s long game.

Why Consistent Visits Matter

Think of your Leonie Thorne Skin Studio visits as preventive maintenance. Just like you go to the dentist to prevent cavities, you go to the Leonie Thorne Skin Studio to prevent deep, irreversible skin damage. Plus, the relaxing environment helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), which also plays a role in skin aging.

Benefits of Regular Skin Care:

• Boosts collagen production

• Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Detoxifies the skin from pollution and sun by-products

• Enhances product absorption in your daily routine

• Supports long-term skin health and resilience

Sun Protection Still Comes First

Treatments are powerful—but prevention is always better than cure. Here’s what you can do every day to guard against UV damage:

• Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily (yes, even on cloudy days)

• Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors

• Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats

• Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)

  Treat the Damage, Then Protect the Glow

The sun is beautiful—but it doesn’t play nice with your skin. UV rays silently chip away at your skin’s vitality over time, leaving behind wrinkles, spots, and sagging. But with the right combination of daily protection and regular skin treatments, you can defend your skin and even reverse some of the damage.

So yes, book that facial. Your skin isn’t just an outer layer—it’s a living, breathing organ that deserves expert care and consistent attention.

Ready to give your sun-exposed skin the attention it deserves?
Call the Leonie Thorne Skin Studio and ask about our treatments tailored to UV repair—or for a custom post-sun recovery plan!