The sun is essential to good health and contributes to a sense of well-being. However, unprotected over exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging. People of all skin colors get skin cancer. As a fact, more than 3.5 million people are diagnosed annually. Daily use of broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is one of the best defenses.
Ultra-violent UV light damages collagen and elastic tissue in the skin making the skin wrinkle, fragile, leathery, and saggy, resulting in loss in elasticity. In time, the skin will also develop brown and white spots as the sun rays destroy the surface protective layer, also allowing skin cancers to develop.
Do not forget sun damage to the eyes; UV light damages the retinol tissue that is in the back of the eye affecting vision and contributing to cataract development, so make sure to use protective eye wear.
The benefits of sunlight:
Sun exposure is a mood enhancer; stress reducing, improves sleep and aids in vitamin D production.
How Does Sunscreen work?
Sunscreen products contain chemical and/or physical active ingredients. Physical ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide reflect or scatter ultraviolent radiation UV. Chemical ingredients like avobenzone, oxibenzone , and octinoxate soak up UVA and UVB rays like a sponge. But a single chemical is generally not enough to protect against both types of harmful rays.
Types of Sunscreens
Physical blocks
Physical sunblock work instantly, they absorb the sun rays and they also block penetration into the state. They do not get into the blood stream and are generally safe and effective.
Chemical blocks
Chemical sunblock take around 30-45 minutes to work because it needs to be absorbed into the skin in order for it to work. Absorption of the chemical components in the blood may be harmful, especially to children. They also have been shown to effect ocean life, leading to some states passing prohibited laws against the use of oxibenzone and octinoxate.
What is SPF?
SPF measures protection of UVB that cause sunburns and contribute to development of skin cancer. SPF 15 gives 93% protection. SPF 30 gives 97% protection which is only a four percent increase. With no protection, your skin will burn in ten minutes. With SPF 30 the skin will be protected for 300 minutes. Therefore, reapplying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to keep the protection in water, hot environments, activities that cause sweating.
Important Measures of Sun Protection
- American dermatology of SPF of 30 or higher.
- Limit time in sun especially from 10am to 2pm
- Wear protective clothing with SPF as well as UVB blocking sunglasses
Newer sun protective formulations address more of the skin health concern by adding ingredients that help protect against UV as well as infrared red (IR) radiation. These formulations contain antioxidants (such as ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C ester), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), thioctic acid, ubigninone.), peptides and enzymes (ubigninone ) that help the skin repair. These ingredients will help protect the skin against cancer as well as diminish the visible signs of aging.
Call or email Advanced Aesthetics M.D. Med Spa to learn more about sunscreen options and the products we sell to protect your skin.
