Facts about sunscreens

Q. Who needs to use sunscreen?

A. In a word: Everyone! Substantially more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Many studies have found an association between sunbu
s and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Dermatology recognize six skin categories:

TYPE SUN HISTORY

I Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sun-sensitive skin

II Usually burns easily, tans minimally, very sun-sensitive skin

III Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, sun-sensitive skin

IV Burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown, minimally sun-sensitive skin
V Rarely burns, tans well, sun-insensitive skin

VI Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun-insensitive skin

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that, regardless of skin type, a broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 should be used year-round.
Q. What are UVA and UVB rays?

A. Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which interferes with the immune system's
ability to protect you against the development and spread of skin cancer.

UVA exposure also is known to lead to signs of premature aging of the skin such as wrinkling and age spots. The UVB rays are the sun's burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn. A good way to remember it is that UVA rays are the aging rays and UVB rays are the burning rays. Excessive exposure to both forms of UV rays can lead to the development of skin cancer.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Q. When should sunscreen be used?

A. Sunscreen should be applied every day to exposed skin, and not just if you are going to be in the sun. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass windows, but UVA rays can, leaving you prone to these damaging effects if unprotected. For days when you are going to be indoors, apply sunscreen on the areas not
covered by clothing, such as the face and hands. Sunscreens can be applied under makeup, or alte
atively, there are many cosmetic products available that contain sunscreens for daily use.
You should choose product with a SPF factor of 40+ or higher. Sun protection is the principal means of preventing premature aging and skin cancer. It's never too late to protect yourself from the sun and minimize your future risk of skin cancer.

Don't reserve the use of sunscreen only for sunny days. Even on a cloudy day, up to 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. In addition, sand reflects 25 percent of the sun's rays and snow reflects 80 percent of the sun's rays.
If you'd prefer to wear your skincare, look at the SunSoul range of shirts and hats with built-in sunscreen at SPF 50+. The products provide more than just UV protection, they also eradicate acne and stop the progress of skin cancer but find out for yourself.
Love your skin. It's the only one you've got.™
Roseann Boffa

Sunshine Products
www.sunscreenwear.com