Dermatreat

Overview To Sun

The Sun is the source of all life and without it this planet would not exist, nor the people who inhabit it. It warms us, promotes the growth of our food, our environment and naturally we prefer to be in the Sun rather than out of it. Having a Sun tan gives a feeling of well being and to some extent this is true as the Sun does provide needed vitamins to help with skin growth.

However too much and problems will start to appear, ranging from sunburn to skin cancer. But this doesn't mean staying completely out of the Sun, simply follow some sensible precautions and the risks will be much reduced. Most importantly to know is that Sun exposure will damage your skin, and the fairer your complexion the more quickly this will happen. Moderate exposure will cause discomfort but will generally heal and repair itself, whereas continued long exposure over a period of years will cause the repair system to break down leading to thickened skin, with deep wrinkles and a rather leathery appearance.  

An introduction to Sun care

Whilst exposure to the Sun can provide the skin with what is usually termed "a healthy glow" it does not mean that this should be done in an irresponsible manner. All exposure to the Sun creates damage to the skin, the magnitude of this damage being directly related to the amount of exposure, over what time period, type of skin and type of protection used to combat the worst effects of the Sun's radiation. Because that is what Sunburn is, radiation burns. The main culprits behind this are the Sun's UVA & UVB wavelengths.

UVA (ultraviolet A)

These are long wave solar rays, and although less likely than UVB to cause sunburn they do penetrate more deeply into the skin. UVA is considered as being the main cause for skin wrinkling, becoming "leathery" and other aspects associated with photo-ageing. Studies have shown that UVA not only increases the cancer causing effects of UVB rays, but may also directly be responsible for some skin cancers, including the highly dangerous melanomas.

UVB (ultraviolet B)

These are short wave solar rays which are more potent than UVA rays for producing sunburn. UVB rays are considered to be the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as a significant cause of melanoma.

Protection

Sunscreens:Chemically absorb UV rays

Sunblocks:Physically deflect UV rays

SPF (sun protection factor)

This is a measure of the length of time a product protects the skin from reddening due to UVB exposure, compared to how long it would take to redden without any protection. For example, if it takes 20 minutes to begin reddening without any protection then using an SPF 16 product theoretically prevents reddening 16 times longer.

To ensure that the optimum SPF is maintained, apply protection products at least every 2 hours and straight away after swimming.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF products with at least a factor 15 protection which block 93% of UVB rays. Higher than SPF 30 products block only 4% more UVB though they may be advisable for sensitive individuals or those at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

SPF is universally used to measure UVB protection, but currently there is no comparable standard for measuring UVA. The scientific world are working towards developing such a standard.

Additional ways to protect yourself would be by wearing sunglasses, protective clothing and avoiding the hottest period of the day, usually between 10.00hrs and 16.00hrs.