Since we are approaching the summer month's it is imperative that we know how to protect our skin from the sun's rays.
I know that many of you have read or heard about this message before.
But everyone can use a refresher, plus I want to try to give you some new information on the subject, and tell you how you can protect your skin using the best sunscreen products for you.
Did you know that the number 1 cause of aging is sun exposure? It is, and since none of us live our lives inside a bubble, that means that we expose our skin to UV radiation everyday.
And, I don't know about you but if there is a way to keep my skin looking younger longer, I would want to know about it.
First let's talk about some of the effects that UV radiation has on the skin.
- Depending on the level of UV exposure, UV rays can cause both thickening and thinning of the skin.
- UV exposure causes the walls of blood vessels to become thinner and weaker, thereby causing skin to bruise easily.
- UV exposure causes telangiectasias to form in the skin, which is characterized by tiny blood vessels that appear usually on the face, on or near the nose and cheeks.
Many people refer to these as broken capillaries.
- UV rays cause tanning, freckles, and age spots which are commonly referred to as LIVER SPOTS - UV rays can also cause HYPOPIGMENTATION or loss of pigment (melanocytes are destroyed permanently) - UV exposure can cause an increased number of MOLES and small crusty bumps called actinic keratosis.
- And of course last but not least SKIN CANCER.
So, just to recap, excessive exposure to UV rays can cause thinning or thickened skin, easy bruising, broken capillaries, liver spots, hypopigmentation, moles, crusty bumps, and skin cancer.
Those sound like some things I'd like to prevent.
So, now we know that the Sun's rays can be harmful.
Let's define the Sun's rays.
Which of the UV rays are most dangerous? There are 3 types of UV radiation.
UVA, UVB & UVC UVC is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not affect the skin.
UVB is also known as "Burning rays".
These rays affect the epidermis "outermost layer of the skin".
These rays are strongest between the hours of 10 & 2, and do not penetrate glass.
Which explains why we don't get a tan or sunburn while we are in our cars.
UVA is also called "aging rays" These rays penetrate deeper into the skin-to the layer known as the dermis.
(This is where the collagen and elastin fibers are).
These rays do not vary in intensity throughout the day, and they are not filtered by untinted glass.
Scientists still don't fully understand the process in which UV radiation causes skin damage.
What they do know is that UV rays causes collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal chronological aging does, and they also cause abnormal elastin to be formed in the dermal layers of the skin.
UV radiation also creates free radicals in the body.
Just one more reason to be consuming large quantities of antioxidants.
Ex...
Green tea, red wine, tomatoes.
Now that we know that we need to protect ourselves from the sun.
How do we do it? Yes, apply sunscreen.
There are two main categories of sunscreen.
A physical sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen.
A PHYSICAL sunscreen product works by blocking or scattering the sun's rays.
The two main examples of a physical sunscreen are ZINC OXIDE and TITANIUM DIOXIDE.
Both come from natural mineral sources, and both are tolerated well among most skin types.
In fact, zinc oxide also promotes healing and is a natural anti-inflammatory as well as a physical blocker.
In the past, these types of sunscreens were heavy and opaque.
You should be conjuring up images of lifeguards with white noses.
But, technology has come a long way and now these minerals can be refined into nanoparticles thereby making the sunscreen much lighter, smoother and transparent.
A CHEMICAL sunscreen works by absorbing UV radiation.
Examples of chemical sunscreens are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octocrylene.
These sunscreen are effective and can be smoother and lighter than physical sunscreens, but can also be irritating to sensitive skin types.
If you tend to be sensitive to sunscreens, if they burn when you apply them to your face, most likely a chemical sunscreen is the culprit.
If your skin is sensitive, I would suggest using a sunscreen with only a physical blocker.
You can get samples and recommendations from your local hair salon and day spa.
The last bit of information I would like to leave you with are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology.
- The AAD recommends a SPF 15 to be worn regardless of skin type.
- Reapply every 2 hours when in the sun.
- Wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing.
- Protect children from the sun.
- Use caution near water, sand & snow, because the reflection intensifies the sun's strength.
- Avoid tanning beds, If you want to look tan, consider a sunless tanning product.
I can recommend some good ones.
- Have your birthday suit checked by a dermatologist once a year.
And if you notice anything growing, changing, or bleeding, see a dermatologist immediately.
Skin cancer is very treatable if caught early.
I also like to recommend getting a facial at 2-3 times a year.
Many times, an esthetician who is familiar with your skin can point out any inconsistencies or changes in your skin that you may not have noticed.