Sun Protection – The First Step To Effective Skin Care

Skin care is not all about using specialized skin care products and going for expensive skin treatments. Rather, it starts with something as simple as effective sun protection. Sunlight is the prime reason for skin damage and if you protect your skin against sunlight, you can prevent nearly half of all your skin problems.

UV Rays and SPF Protection

SPF is the Sun Protection Factor of a skin care product. It is the measure of the ability of the sunscreen to protect against the UVB rays. However, it doesn't necessarily guarantee protection against the UVA rays.

UVB rays, often referred to as the 'burning rays' are responsible for sunbu
s. They reach the skin surface and have a burning effect almost immediately.

UVA rays are called 'aging rays'. This is because they penetrate deep within the skin surface and cause damage to the intrinsic cells and tissues. These rays are also responsible for premature aging (development of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots etc.) as well as for most skin cancer. They don't produce any visible redness on the skin but damage the skin slowly and gradually. Thus, you don't even realize the extent of damage until it gets out of hand.

It is important to use a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection i.e. protection against the UVB rays as well as the UVA rays of the sun. Some of the common sunscreen ingredients that protect against both the ultra-violets rays are Avobenzone, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide and Oxybenzone.

The SPF represents the amount of time one can stay out in the sun without getting burnt. . For example, if you can stay in the sun for 30 minutes without getting red, using an SPF 30 product can multiply this 30 times over. So, with an SPF 30 product, you can stay protected for 30 X 30 = 900 minutes.

Typically, an SPF 30 sunscreen is more than enough for effective sun protection throughout the day. Also remember that higher SPF doesn't mean better protection. The higher SPF count is just because it contains more chemicals.

Product Suggestions:

La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Obagi Physical UV Block SPF 32

iS Clinical SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen

Functioning of the Sunscreen

There are two types of Sunscreens– Chemical sunscreens and Physical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreen absorb the UV radiations of the sun and renders them ineffective. As a result, the energy level gets lowered and it gets released as heat.

Physical sunscreens reflect the UV radiations and doesn't let them penetrate the skin surface

Chemical sunscreens are generally more effective. However, it often tends to be too strong for certain skin types especially sensitive skin types. Therefore, its better to use physical sunscreens for sensitive skin. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are common ingredients used in physical sunscreens.

Effects of Sun Damage

The UV rays of the sun can cause grave damage to the skin cells. radiation of the skin can cause grave damage to the skin. Here are some potential effects of sun damage.

Skin Cancerr
Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure causes severe skin damage that can even lead to skin cancer. This can in turn be potentially fatal.

Free Radical Damager
Free radicals are unstable molecules in the skin that have lose an electron. Subsequently, they start seeking an extra electron from the surrounding molecules thereby starting a chain process. The UV radiations of the sun create free radicals in your body and thus causes damage. To prevent this, use sunscreens that contain potent antioxidants.

Immune System Damager
The UV rays of the sun accelerate the release of certain chemicals in the body that suppress its natural defense system and hampers its ability to eliminate cancer cells. This process is also called immunosuppression.

Thinning of Veins and Capillariesr
Exposure to the UV rays of the sun leads to thinning of the blood vessel walls. This further leads to bruising and trauma particularly on the hands and arms.

Loss of Collagen & Elastinr
As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers within our bodies deplete. However, UV rays of the sun accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin and leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.