Dame Joan Collins, the celebrated actress and author whose career spans over seven decades, has shared the single most valuable piece of advice she ever received from another woman. At 92 years old, Collins maintains a remarkably youthful appearance, which she attributes to one specific habit she adopted early in life.
The Best Advice She Ever Received
When recently asked about the "best piece of advice" given to her by another woman, the Hollywood icon responded instantly. Collins recalled: "When I used to sunbathe, and get very tanned, this friend of mine said, 'Don't get the sun on your face, it'll age you very fast'. So I never did."
This simple warning about sun exposure has stayed with Collins for years, becoming what she describes as the "best advice" she's ever received from another woman. The actress has diligently avoided intense sun exposure on her face ever since, a practice she believes has contributed significantly to her youthful appearance.
Understanding Photoaging
The process Collins' friend warned her about is scientifically known as photoaging - the premature ageing of skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This damage occurs at a cellular level and can have both cosmetic and health implications.
How Sun Exposure Ages Your Skin
Photoaging results from constant exposure to two types of ultraviolet radiation:
- UVA radiation (long-wave): Penetrates deeply into the skin, causing premature ageing, wrinkles, and long-term structural damage
- UVB radiation (short-wave): Affects the skin's top layer, causing sunburns and direct DNA damage
Both types of radiation play significant roles in skin cancer development and accelerate the visible signs of ageing. It's important to note that tanning beds and sun lamps emit the same harmful radiation as natural sunlight.
Recognising the Signs of Sun Damage
Photoaging manifests through various visible changes to the skin, including:
- Spider veins (broken capillaries) on the nose, cheeks and neck
- Loss of skin elasticity in sun-exposed areas
- Increased number and depth of lines and wrinkles around eyes and mouth
- Persistent worry lines on the forehead
- Red, rough, scaly spots known as actinic keratosis
- Pigment changes including freckles, liver spots, and age spots
- Uneven skin colour or texture, along with thinning of the skin
Protection and Prevention Strategies
While DNA-level changes from UV radiation are irreversible, there are effective ways to protect your skin and improve its appearance:
Preventive Measures
The most effective approach to maintaining youthful skin involves proactive protection:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (10am-4pm)
- Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate SPF protection
- Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
- Seeking shade whenever possible
Repair and Restoration
For those already experiencing sun damage, several approaches can help:
- Topical treatments that target spots, discolouration, and wrinkles
- Products that stimulate collagen production and new skin growth
- Collagen supplements, particularly marine collagen, which can help rebuild skin structure
- Professional skin treatments designed to smooth texture and improve tone
Collins' experience serves as a powerful reminder that simple, consistent habits can have profound long-term effects on both health and appearance. Her commitment to sun protection demonstrates how preventive measures adopted early can yield visible benefits decades later.
