LONGECITY

Is facial aging caused by sun exposure or just natural aging?

Just natural aging.

I think it depends upon the intensity of sun exposure. If you are routinely getting sun-burned, then it will probably be a significant contributor to skin aging. If you are just getting light sun exposure, then it is probably beneficial for overall health.

I read that the sun's rays deplete the collagen in the face. That makes sense, as I've noticed that the skin on parts of my body that seldom see the sun are like that of a 20 year old. 

I think it depends upon the intensity of sun exposure. If you are routinely getting sun-burned, then it will probably be a significant contributor to skin aging. If you are just getting light sun exposure, then it is probably beneficial for overall health.

My understanding is that the healthy component of the sun is IR or NIR.

And that's why both avoiding direct sun exposure coupled with NIR therapy are both helpful to preserve skin health.

Or so i've gathered.

I read that the sun's rays deplete the collagen in the face. That makes sense, as I've noticed that the skin on parts of my body that seldom see the sun are like that of a 20 year old. 

Now, mind you one thing.

There is two components of the sun. UV and IR.

Supposedly, according to "current data" on IR therapy, the sub-optical aspect of the sun rays is healthy for skin whereas the UV or visual spectrum is not. 

So? Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunblock and do IR therapy a few times a week. 

Mostly natural aging. There is little to nothing you can do, outside of surgery.

I've used sunscreen religiously since my teens (my father had skin cancer scares repeatedly so I decided to head that off). I've not had any cancer, and until my early 40s I looked remarkably young for my age, including when compared to my younger siblings who didn't use sunscreen much. Then in my early 40s on, in spite of avoiding sun exposure on my face and most of the rest of me, my face started to look tired, old, and sickly.