Summer Fun and UVA and UVB Rays

Summer fun and summer sun! By now we all know that exposure to the sun is one of the major causes of our skin’s aging. In addition to aging the skin, medical studies have found an association between sunburns and the enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Because the sun is stronger, we become more aware of the sun and its effect on our skin in the summertime. We may think we need sunscreen only in the summer, but in reality, we need to use sunscreen daily.

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. We become more aware of the UVB rays in the summertime, because these are the rays from the sun that lead to sunburn.  These are also the rays most responsible for skin cancer. The rays aren’t always the same strength year round. They are more prevalent in the summer, but they are able to reflect off water or snow, so sunscreen that protects against UVB rays is needed year round. If you’ve heard the advice to stay out of the mid-day sun, it is because these are the hours that the UVB rays are the strongest, and can damage the skin more quickly.

While the UVB rays are more commonly attributed to being the cause of skin cancer, the UVA rays are the rays that are mainly responsible for aging the skin. The sun emits the same strength UVA rays all day long. These rays can pass through windows (UVB rays are blocked by window glass). The rays penetrate into deeper into the skin’s dermis layer, leading to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and ages spots.

Even though the UVA rays cause only 1/1000^th of the redness caused by UVB rays, they are even more damaging to your skin. With exposure to UVB rays, you feel the heat; see the redness and quickly take cover…..with UVA rays you don’t. You may be exposed to the UVA rays more than you think. Hours at a sunny window, driving, etc.,  can cause as much, if not more damage than an hour in the sun!

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some are good at blocking UVB rays, but not the UVA rays. You need a sunscreen that blocks both. Without out double protection, you could think you are being protected, stay out longer and end up giving yourself an overdose of the UVA rays with the additional sun time. Sunscreens that contain PABA, Cinnamates, and Salicylates block only UVB rays. Sunscreens that contain Benzophenones will block both UVA and UVB rays, but is water soluble, so ordinary sweat and water remove them. Look for sunscreens that use physical agents, such as white zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They block UVA and UVB rays and are not water soluble.

A sunscreen that is not water soluble is also a must. It will not be washed away by water or perspiration. Personally, I am VERY fair. To protect myself as much as possible from the strong summer sun, I change my routine. I avoid mid-day sun as much as possible, and try to do errands in early morning or after sunset. Having said that, I am also quite the water baby! I snorkel, scuba dive, sail, and love doing anything on the water. I use a scuba skin, boots and gloves pretty much every time I am in the water and utilize my light weight safari wear that not only keeps me covered,but is UV protective so  it blocks the sun’s rays as well. Sunglasses are a must, as is a hat. I keep sunscreen and a lot of water on me at all times!

As you age, as seasons change, even medication that you may be taking can change your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. What SPF you used last summer may not work for you this summer. Have some sunscreen that has different levels of SPF at hand and adjust them. You change and so does your skin. Your sunscreen needs to as well!

Be sure to read Lisa’s piece on areas that we need to pay extra special attention to before stepping out into the sun at http://www.examiner.com/beauty-in-tampa-bay/warning-ignored-areas-you-must-protect-before-stepping-out-into-the-sun-fillin

For those of you who worry that using sun screen every time you are out in the sun will not give you any vitamin D, you can increase the amount of foods you eat with vitamin D (fish, eggs, milk, etc.), take a dietary supplement and /or use a body lotion such as Dr. Goldfaden’s Vitamin D Body Lotion. Dr. Goldfaden’s Vitamin D Body Lotion (www.goldfaden.com) contributes to skin cell growth, repair and metabolism. It will as motivates your skin’s immune system and helps destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging. It is easier to increase levels of vitamin D than it is to repair skin damage!

I would like to thank Peter Lamas for sending me a copy of his book The Truth about Sun Exposure. It is  a very easy read and extremely informative  on the subject. This book will provide you with the facts about sun exposure and what you can do to limit the damage to your skin and your children’s skin. It was an invaluable asset! (www.peterlamas.com)

So who needs sunscreen? We all do! Make it a daily habit!