Summer
is just around the corner, and this usually means a lot of time spent
outside swimming, sports, and other fun activities. If you are not
applying sunscreen while outside you may be doing harmful damage to your
skin. Sunscreen is a product that works by reflecting and or absorbing
some of the suns ultraviolet, or UV, radiation, and can come in the form
of liquid, gels, sticks, sprays, or powder. The suns rays are divided
into three categories- UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC radiation does not reach
Earth because of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. UVB rays are also
known as "the tanning rays" and only effect the epidermis, or the first
layer of the skin. Most sunburn cases are from UVB rays. The rays that
penetrate to the dermis, or the second layer of the skin, are UVA rays.
These rays go deeper into the skin causing premature aging. Unlike UVB
rays, UVA rays can go through glass damaging your skin while indoors or
driving. Both types of rays are causes in skin cancer and premature
aging. Understanding SPF is important for protecting your skin against
these harmful rays.
SPF,
or Sun Protection Factor, is the number given to show the protection a
sunscreen offers. An SPF number is determined by measuring the amount of
UV rays it takes a sun sensitive person to burn without the use of
sunscreen, and then is redone with the use of sunscreen. The time found
using the sunscreen is divided by the time found without the use of
sunscreen to find the SPF. Easier put, if someone typically burns in one
hour, applying SPF 15 would allow them to stay in the sun 15 times
longer than without the protection. By multiplying an SPF number and the
amount of time it takes for you to burn without the use of sunscreen
determine the maximum time you should spend in the sun. These numbers
however are not accurate because sunscreen is usually not applied
correctly. The rays are also more intense in the summer season and
during certain hours in the day. Use a broad-spectrum SPF that is
between 15-30. Be aware that anything above 50 can give a false sense of protection
from the suns rays since an SPF 15 offers about 93% protection while an
SPF 100 offers about 99%. The difference is not significant. Not
properly protecting your skin from the suns rays can result in damage to
the appearance of the skin, and also lead to more serious changes.
Too much sun exposure can lead to damage
such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. As you get a tan, the skin
produces more melanin (skin containing more melanin has a darker
appearance) to protect itself from the harmful UV rays. Sometimes it
produces an uneven amount of melanin creating uneven skin tone and
hyperpigmentation. Other damage can happen when the blood vessels dilate
from sun exposure giving the skin a reddish appearance. The suns UV
radiation breaks down collagen and elastin found in the dermis, or the
second layer of the skin. When this breakdown happens the skin losses
its flexibility and strength causing sagging skin and deep wrinkles.
Every time your skin is exposed to the sun unprotected it changes structure making it harder for the body to fight off cancerous cells.
Two common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancer.
Melanoma is less common, however it's the most dangerous type of skin
cancer. Applying sunscreen correctly is critical to help avoid these
damaging changes from the sun.
Application
of your sunscreen is important to ensure you are protected from the
sun. With so many different types of sunscreen available in the stores,
how can you tell which one is right? First be sure your sunscreen is
broad-spectrum meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. When
shopping for sunscreen, also know that there is no difference between
ones marketed towards children and ones towards adults. Make sure the
SPF is 15 or higher, and SPF 30 or higher for those with fair
complexions. A 'shot glass' full of sunscreen is recommended for
covering the body, and remember to cover the scalp, ears, and lips which
are often forgotten with application. Reapplying of sunscreen needs to
be done every two hours, or more if swimming or working outdoors since
no sunscreen is completely waterproof. So the sunscreen can properly
bind to the skin, apply when it is cool and dry. Don't apply while
already in the sun since it takes about twenty minutes to be absorbed
completely.
Some
sunscreens on the market contain chemicals and other toxic ingredients
that should be avoided. Oxybenzone is one ingredient that works by
absorbing UV light, however has been shown to absorb into the skin and
may be linked to causing hormonal changes in the body. Oxybenzone is an
ingredient approved by the FDA, but only for those older than six
months. Another potentially harmful ingredient found in several
sunscreens is Retinyl Palminate. This ingredient is a type of vitamin A
that may possibly increase the risk of skin cancer when on sun exposed
skin. Protect your skin from the suns rays and toxic chemicals by
choosing a broad-spectrum natural sunscreen.
At
Alternatives we offer sunscreens with natural ingredients such as
Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50, and Epionce Active shield lotion SPF
30. These products are broad-spectrum and also have anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties. Containing zinc oxide, these sunscreens are
safe and effective at protection from the sun. Come check out our other
natural sunscreen products we have to offer at Alternatives, and don't
let sunburn ruin your fun this summer!
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