Is one kind of sun’s ray safer for the skin than the other? We know we need to apply sun protection of some kind every day, but what do you choose? The labels are often confusing. Here is some basic information that should help clear up a few misconceptions about UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays are the rays that penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Present all day at a fairly even intensity, UVA rays can fool you. They may seem, even feel, harmless. Don’t be fooled – UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass.
Although very recently considered harmless, UVA rays are now known to cause cumulative damage to deep skin tissue which can lead to skin cancers. In other words, we shouldn’t be concerned only with wrinkles and aging caused by UVA rays. There’s much more to be concerned with.
We rarely see the immediate damage to our skin upon exposure to UVA rays, but damage is occurring beneath the skin’s surface. Because UVA rays are not causing the damage to skin we know as a sunburn, many of us believe that we can be exposed to “normal” daylight without protection. We now know that when we expose our bare skin to UVA rays during any daylight hours, even cloudy days, our DNA is desperately making attempts to protect itself from damage, mutating and setting the stage for skin cancer.
The discussion about tanning booths often comes up about now. Tanning booths shoot UVA rays at your skin at 12 times the rate that the sun does. Can you protect yourself against that assault? If you’ve used a tanning booth since you were young, your risk of developing melanoma just jumped by 75 percent. The Skin Cancer Foundation studies have verified this information for years and have warned against tanning booth use. There is no such thing as tanning safely in a tanning booth.
UVB rays might be called the ‘sunburn’ rays because you see the damage caused on the surface of your skin. That redness and sunburn were just caused by the UVB rays. Long term damage to the skin’s top layer will result in premature aging, wrinkles, drying, as well as the development of skin cancer.
The difference between UVA rays and UVB rays can actually be felt. UVA rays are pretty consistent throughout the day, while UVB rays are more intense during certain times of the day and the year. This may catch you off guard though if you are not informed about how tricky these UVB rays can be. Even on a snow covered mountain, UVB rays are bouncing off the white snow and right into your face. When you get back to the chalet with rosy cheeks and a red nose, it could be from the sun and not from the cold. The guidelines, stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, don’t always apply, either. Ask anyone who spent time on the beaches of Florida.
Every dermatologist and esthetician will tell you that using skin protection products with an SPF of 15 or higher is crucial for your health, not just your beauty. Some dermatologists are now recommending even higher, as much as SPF 70, products for the face, neck, shoulders, and hands.
Your total skin care program is not just about looking good and preventing wrinkles. Your skin care is about your health. Visit your dermatologist or esthetician today to discuss what you need to do to protect your skin today – and for a lifetime.
Skin protection starts with professional skin care. Charlotte Field is a Skin Care Expert specializing in Anti-aging, Relaxation and Results. If you’re looking for a Day Spa in Pensacola visit FacialsbyCharlotte.com.
categories: protect against UVA and UVB,understanding UVA and UVB rays,protection against sun’s rays,SPF protection,protection against skin cancer,protection against aging skin,skin care,women’s health,family health,health