80 to 85 percent of our aging is caused by the rays of the sun. Daily sunscreen is imperative for healthy skin. Many of you know how passionate I am about recommending sunscreen to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. I stress this because sun exposure leads not only to skin cancer, but to aging, hyperpigmentation, capillary damage, free radical damage, collagen and elastin deterioration and a repressed immune system.
Over one million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year. Even more staggering is the fact that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, and 90% of these cancers will be the result of exposure to UV radiation from the sun and/or tanning beds. Reported cases has more than doubled in the past 20 years and over 2,000 people die from skin cancer each year in the United Kingdom. This globally expansive issue reinforces the belief that the best defense is to limit daylight exposure and protect skin with sunscreen at all times. Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours, when UV exposure is highest. This is usually between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M.
UVA rays (the aging rays) are the longest rays in the spectrum, and they penetrate deeper into the skin. UVA rays are responsible for causing damage at the cellular level, making them responsible for most skin cancers and the cause of the signs of aging in the form of wrinkles and pigment spots. UVB rays (the burning rays) are shorter than UVA rays, and are responsible for the actual “burn” or “tan” response in skin. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause cancer, so wearing and SPF that shields skin against both (broad spectrum) is critical.
UV rays generate free radicals (molecules that have gained or lost and electron) that wreak havoc on cellular material. They are capable of altering not only the DNA (genetic material of all living cells) but may also affect membranes surrounding skin cells, destroy or alter enzymes and proteins required for cellular metabolism and affect amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Free radicals can ultimately result in the formation of sun-induced skin cancers.
Fortunately, our bodies are constantly trying to repair the damage of this vicious free radical assault. While our body’s defense system is repairing damaged sites, our cells are releasing the by-products of this assault and repair process. The skin’s inflammatory response may be seen initially as erythema (redness of the skin) which results from dilation of blood vessels in the dermis as a response to the cell damage and repair process. Erythema generally appears two to six hours after exposure to daylight or tanning; the degree of redness is an indication of damage to the skin inflicted by the sun. Erythema is also used as a measure of the effectiveness of a sunscreen to absorb UVB rays and is measured by its sun protection factor (SPF). Factors affecting erythema include the amount of pigmentation in the skin, the ease of burning of the individual and the skin’s resistance to tanning.
Sunscreens work by absorbing damaging UV rays (chemical sunscreens) or by reflecting and scattering UV rays (physical sunscreens). Physical sunscreens (such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) have increased in popularity as consumers grow more concerned about the potential irritancy factor of chemical sunscreens. With this increase in popularity has also come a focus on improving the technology of these physical sunscreens.
The SPF represents the ability of a sunscreen to delay sun-induced burning or erythema. It is important to understand that, even though you may be using a sunscreen, some UVB rays will still penetrate through skin. For example, an SPF 2 product protects your skin from 50% of the UVB rays, so you can stay in the sun twice as long as you would be able to without protection. An SPF 8 blocks 87.5% of the rays, leaving 12.5% to penetrate and burn your skin. An SPF 15 blocks 93.3% of UVB rays. And finally, an SPF 30 blocks 96.6% of UVB rays.
When you use a sunscreen, make sure you apply an adequate amount to ensure you are getting the desired SPF. That’s generally about one teaspoon for the face and a full ounce (approximately 1/8 cup) for complete body coverage. Also, reapply sunscreen whenever you swim, exercise or sweat profusely.
What Happens to the Skin?
Skin without sunscreen
• Collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to premature aging.
• DNA damage caused by free radicals.
• Hypo-and hyperpigmentation
Generic over-the-counter sunscreen
• Skin is protected from UV rays but is still susceptible to free radical damage.
• Formulas are often comedogenic (clogs pores), contain artificial ingredients and fragrances, and feel uncomfortable on skin.
• Often do not contain ingredients that are beneficial to the health of skin or offer treatment for specific skin conditions.
Dermalogica Solar Defense System featuring UV Smart Booster Technology
• Skin is protected against UVA rays, UVB rays and free radical damage.
• Non-comedogenic formulas are free of artificial fragrance and color, and are more like skin treatment products with optimal feel and performance.
• State-of-the-art ingredients treat each skin condition, providing optimal skin care benefits.
Over one million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year. Even more staggering is the fact that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, and 90% of these cancers will be the result of exposure to UV radiation from the sun and/or tanning beds. Reported cases has more than doubled in the past 20 years and over 2,000 people die from skin cancer each year in the United Kingdom. This globally expansive issue reinforces the belief that the best defense is to limit daylight exposure and protect skin with sunscreen at all times. Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours, when UV exposure is highest. This is usually between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M.
UVA rays (the aging rays) are the longest rays in the spectrum, and they penetrate deeper into the skin. UVA rays are responsible for causing damage at the cellular level, making them responsible for most skin cancers and the cause of the signs of aging in the form of wrinkles and pigment spots. UVB rays (the burning rays) are shorter than UVA rays, and are responsible for the actual “burn” or “tan” response in skin. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause cancer, so wearing and SPF that shields skin against both (broad spectrum) is critical.
UV rays generate free radicals (molecules that have gained or lost and electron) that wreak havoc on cellular material. They are capable of altering not only the DNA (genetic material of all living cells) but may also affect membranes surrounding skin cells, destroy or alter enzymes and proteins required for cellular metabolism and affect amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Free radicals can ultimately result in the formation of sun-induced skin cancers.
Fortunately, our bodies are constantly trying to repair the damage of this vicious free radical assault. While our body’s defense system is repairing damaged sites, our cells are releasing the by-products of this assault and repair process. The skin’s inflammatory response may be seen initially as erythema (redness of the skin) which results from dilation of blood vessels in the dermis as a response to the cell damage and repair process. Erythema generally appears two to six hours after exposure to daylight or tanning; the degree of redness is an indication of damage to the skin inflicted by the sun. Erythema is also used as a measure of the effectiveness of a sunscreen to absorb UVB rays and is measured by its sun protection factor (SPF). Factors affecting erythema include the amount of pigmentation in the skin, the ease of burning of the individual and the skin’s resistance to tanning.
Sunscreens work by absorbing damaging UV rays (chemical sunscreens) or by reflecting and scattering UV rays (physical sunscreens). Physical sunscreens (such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) have increased in popularity as consumers grow more concerned about the potential irritancy factor of chemical sunscreens. With this increase in popularity has also come a focus on improving the technology of these physical sunscreens.
The SPF represents the ability of a sunscreen to delay sun-induced burning or erythema. It is important to understand that, even though you may be using a sunscreen, some UVB rays will still penetrate through skin. For example, an SPF 2 product protects your skin from 50% of the UVB rays, so you can stay in the sun twice as long as you would be able to without protection. An SPF 8 blocks 87.5% of the rays, leaving 12.5% to penetrate and burn your skin. An SPF 15 blocks 93.3% of UVB rays. And finally, an SPF 30 blocks 96.6% of UVB rays.
When you use a sunscreen, make sure you apply an adequate amount to ensure you are getting the desired SPF. That’s generally about one teaspoon for the face and a full ounce (approximately 1/8 cup) for complete body coverage. Also, reapply sunscreen whenever you swim, exercise or sweat profusely.
What Happens to the Skin?
Skin without sunscreen
• Collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to premature aging.
• DNA damage caused by free radicals.
• Hypo-and hyperpigmentation
Generic over-the-counter sunscreen
• Skin is protected from UV rays but is still susceptible to free radical damage.
• Formulas are often comedogenic (clogs pores), contain artificial ingredients and fragrances, and feel uncomfortable on skin.
• Often do not contain ingredients that are beneficial to the health of skin or offer treatment for specific skin conditions.
Dermalogica Solar Defense System featuring UV Smart Booster Technology
• Skin is protected against UVA rays, UVB rays and free radical damage.
• Non-comedogenic formulas are free of artificial fragrance and color, and are more like skin treatment products with optimal feel and performance.
• State-of-the-art ingredients treat each skin condition, providing optimal skin care benefits.
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