SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2006

Home // Media & Press // Summer Newsletter 2006

Page: 3 of 4

Ray of Light

Skin Damage from the sun is cumulative, and it only becomes visible with age. Slow down the effects of aging by daily use of sun screen. The goal of sun protection should be to shield skin from solar UV radiation, protecting against both short-term and long-term harm.

It is important to be aware of some key facts about the sun to truly understand it’s impact on the skin. Here are some UV terms you should know:

UV rays: UV rays have proven to be harmful to skin, from the short-term damage of sunburn to long-term premature aging. Exposure to UV rays is a recognized risk factor for skin cancer.

UVB/UVA: UVB are the rays that cause skin-damaging sunburns and changes in pigment, even on cloudy days. UVA rays have a lower wavelength and do not cause sunburn, but they can penetrate deeper into the skin, and research links them to signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots. Both UVB and UVA have been implicated as a cause of skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen should offer both UVB and UVA protection.

SPF: Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of time, more specifically, how much time can be spent in the sun on a proportional basis in relationship to zero protection. For example, an individual can be in the sun without burning 30 times longer when wearing SPF 30 and 15 times longer wearing SPF 15, However, the UV filtration level does not double with the numbers. In fact, SPF 30 only blocks 3 percent more damaging UV rays than SPF 15.

We carry SkinCeuticals Sunscreen available for purchase in SPF's 20, 30, & 45

Sunscreen types: Sunscreens are created for different purposes with good reason. The rub-proof and waterproof qualities in a day-at-the-beach sunscreen are important when clients are active and sweating. But they can be greasy and too heavy to wear to the office. Daily moisturizers, typically with SPF 15 protection, are lighter and can be worn comfortably under makeup. They provide protection from normal daily exposure to UV indoors and out.

Sunscreen ingredients: Examples of widely used UVB blockers are octyl methoxy cinnamate, octyl salicvlate, and PABA. The two most effective UVA blockers in the U.S. are avobenzone, a chemical that absorbs light, and zinc oxide, a mineral that scatters and absorbs light.

Proper sunscreen application: Sunscreen use should be mandatory. Sunscreen should also be applied generously, as insufficient application leaves the skin vulnerable to exposure. Look for formulas that are easy to spread to ensure complete coverage of the skin.