Spring is here, and with it comes the warmth of the sun. While it's important to get outside and enjoy the weather, it's also crucial to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the biggest culprits to cause premature aging and skin damage. It is also responsible for causing skin cancer.
UVA versus UVB Rays
Just because you don't get burned, doesn't meant that you aren't receiving damage. The wavelengths of UVB rays will leave you with a burn, as they target the skin more superficially. UVA rays on the other hand, go deeper into the skin, and quietly cause damage. Most of the sun damage/pigmentation we see today on our skin is from a cumulative amount of sun and UV exposure we received when we were younger.
UV (ultraviolet) rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the surface. UVA and UVB rays, however, penetrate the atmosphere and affect our skin.
The main difference between UVA and UVB rays is their wavelength. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and can penetrate deeper into the skin, while UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and mostly affect the skin's outer layer. Here are some more details on how UVA and UVB rays affect your skin:
UVA Rays:
UVA rays are associated with skin aging and wrinkles. They can penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and can cause damage to collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature aging.
UVA rays can also cause skin damage that is not immediately visible, such as DNA damage to skin cells. This damage can accumulate over time and increase the risk of skin cancer.
UVA rays are present all year round, even on cloudy days and through windows, so it's important to protect your skin from UVA rays every day
UVB Rays:
UVB rays are associated with sunburn and skin cancer. They affect the skin's outer layer and can cause damage to DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.
UVB rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm during the summer months, so it's important to protect your skin during those hours.
Safe Sun Tips
1. Seek Shade
Protect your skin from the sun is by seeking shade. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to stay indoors or find a shady spot during those hours. If you're spending time outside, look for a tree, umbrella, or other shelter to provide shade.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Clothing can also provide protection from the sun's rays. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Dark colors and tightly woven fabrics offer the most protection. Don't forget to wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses to protect your face, neck, ears, and eyes.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for healthy skin, especially during the summer months. When you're outside in the sun, your body loses water through sweat, so it's important to drink more water than usual. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated. 4. Check Your Skin Regularly
It's essential to check your skin regularly for any changes, such as new moles or spots. If you notice any changes, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get them checked out. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial for successful treatment. In conclusion, taking care of your skin during the summer months is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Remember to wear sunscreen, seek shade, wear protective clothing, stay hydrated, avoid tanning beds, and check your skin regularly. With these safe sun tips, you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.
5. Wear Sunscreen and reapply, reapply, REAPPLY!
The first and most crucial step to protect your skin from the sun is to wear sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen to your skin 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin, including your ears, hands, feet, and lips. We recommend a physical sunscreen for daily use (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) over a chemical sunscreen (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, etc.). Repeated, constant usage of chemical susnscreens may lead to inflammation in the skin.
6. Include Antioxidants and Vitamin C in your Skincare
Combat the negative effects of the sun and UV exposure by regularly using a Vitamin C product in your skincare regime.
