The warmth of the sun, such a wonderful feeling after the winter months. But at what expense to our health?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, in the first 18 years of life and estimated 80% of total lifetime sun damage occurs.
The skin produces additional pigment (coloring) when we are in the sun to protect itself from the damaging ultraviolet rays. This pigment is what causes a than to occur.
Exposure to the sun created the aging signs of wrinkled, leathery and blotchy skin. The damage from tanning also affects the deep layers of the skin resulting in the loss of elasticity.
Sunburn, blistering and rashes is the skin damage that we notice immediately.
What we don’t see right away are the long-term effects of cell and tissue damage, premature wrinkling and skin cancer.
Many of the skin changes that we blame on aging are actually the result of damage from too much sun.
The sun gives off different types of rays. These rays are known as Ultraviolet Radiation divided into three types - UVA, UVB and UVC.
UVC rays do not reach the earth except in certain parts of the South Pacific due to the earths atmosphere.
UVB rays are partially blocked by the atmosphere. Think B for burning, these are the rays that cause sunburn and some types of skin cancer.
VA rays are divided into two parts, long rays and short rays. Short UVA rays are similar to UVB rays. Long UVA rays are the aging rays. They do not cause sunburn but are responsible for wrinkles, sagging, drooping, “turkey neck” and more serious skin cancers (melanoma).
Most sunscreens only protect you from the burning rays (UVB). Protect yourself from all these hazards of the sun by using a sunscreen that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Tips for Sun Protection
· Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days.
· Wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses
· Sit or stand in the shade whenever possible.
· Use a sunless tanning lotion if you want “color”.
· Avoid reflective surfaces, which can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays.
· Protect children. Minimize sun exposure and apply sunscreen to children aged 6 months and older.
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