As I write this, much of the UK is enjoying another spell of hot weather. While many of us welcome the sunshine after a long winter, heatwaves can also make it harder to maintain the healthy routines we know are good for us.
Perhaps you're drinking less water than you should, skipping meals because it's too hot to cook, forgetting to take your usual vitamin pills or shakes, or reaching for convenience foods instead of your usual balanced diet. It's completely understandable, our habits often change with the seasons.
One thing that's easy to overlook during sunny weather is the effect that sun exposure can have on your skin's collagen.
So, how does the sun affect collagen, and what can you do to support your skin while still enjoying the warmer months?
Does Sun Exposure Damage Collagen?
In short, yes.
While sunlight is essential for many aspects of health, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the biggest external factors contributing to collagen breakdownin the skin.
Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and provides the structure that keeps our skin firm, smooth and resilient.
Over time, repeated UV exposure increases the production of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down collagen fibres faster than the body can replace them.
This process, known as photoageing, contributes to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of skin firmness
- Changes in skin texture
- Premature ageing
- Reduced skin elasticity
It's one of the reasons dermatologists often say that protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best anti-ageing strategies available. So aside from liberally applying SPF 50 sun cream throughout the day, let’s understand what else we can do to protect our skin and its collagen levels.
Should We Avoid the Sun?
Not at all.
Sunlight plays an important role in our wellbeing, particularly because it helps our bodies produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient involved in bone health, immune function and normal muscle function.
The key is balance.
Enjoying sensible amounts of sunshine while protecting your skin with clothing, shade and appropriate sunscreen allows you to benefit from being outdoors without exposing your skin to unnecessary UV damage.
Vitamin D – One of the UK's Most Common Nutrient Gaps
One of the things that often surprises my patients is just how common vitamin D deficiency is in the UK.
Because we live in a northern climate, sunlight isn't strong enough for vitamin D production during much of the year, particularly from autumn through to early spring. As a result, many adults struggle to maintain optimal vitamin D levels, and UK health guidance recommends supplementation during these months for much of the population. When reviewing blood results, I see vitamin D as being insufficient for so many people and having a tasty drink with collagen is so much more appealing than remembering to swallow the tablets! That's one reason why we added vitamin D to the GEN Orange & Passion Fruit Drink. It offers a simple way to incorporate this important nutrient into your daily routine alongside your collagen, particularly for those who may not consistently take a separate vitamin D supplement.
Of course, no supplement replaces a balanced diet or safe sun exposure, but it can be a convenient addition to an overall healthy lifestyle.
Looking After Yourself During a Heatwave
One challenge I often hear from patients during periods of hot weather is that healthy routines become much harder to maintain.
When temperatures rise and getting adequate amounts of sleep becomes more of a challenge, we naturally gravitate towards foods and drinks that are quick, refreshing and easy to consume.
This is where convenience really matters.
A ready-to-drink collagen supplement can fit easily into even the busiest summer schedule. Whether you're heading to work, spending the day outdoors or packing for a picnic, it's one less thing to think about when your usual routine has gone out of the window.
Small, consistent habits are often easier to maintain than ambitious health plans that fall apart as soon as life gets busy, or hot!
Supporting Your Skin From the Inside
While sunscreen remains your first line of defence against UV damage, your overall lifestyle also plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin.
Simple habits include:
- Staying well hydrated
- Eating a balanced diet rich in colourful fruit and vegetables
- Getting enough protein
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
- Sleeping well
- Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure
Collagen can complement these healthy habits as part of a broader approach to supporting skin health, but it's important to remember that no supplement can undo excessive sun damage or replace proper sun protection.
My Advice as a GP
Summer should be enjoyed, not feared.
Fresh air, exercise and spending time outdoors all have enormous benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.
The aim isn't to avoid sunshine altogether, but to enjoy it sensibly while protecting your skin and maintaining healthy daily habits.
Sometimes it's the simplest routines that are the easiest to stick with. Staying hydrated, eating well and choosing convenient, evidence-informed products such as GEN Collagen can all help you stay on track, even during a busy heatwave.
The Bottom Line
Sunshine is good for the soul, but too much UV exposure can accelerate the natural breakdown of collagen within the skin.
Protecting yourself with sensible sun safety, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated remain the foundations of healthy skin.
And when life gets busy (or the weather gets particularly warm) having convenient options such as a ready-to-drink collagen supplement can make it easier to keep supporting your wellbeing every day.
Drinking daily GEN Collagen is a simple way to support your daily routine while making the most of the summer sunshine. GEN Collagen Orange and Passion Fruit with the added vitamin D is an absolute bonus with the benefits of vitamin D and the enjoyment of a cool refreshing drink in the summer sunshine.
Dr B is a practising GP with a special interest in preventative health and lifestyle medicine.