Skin Damage from UV Rays
May is skin cancer awareness month
SUNLIGHT (UV) EFFECTS ON SKIN HEALTH
Did you know that over 80% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to the sun and/or sunbeds, making the majority of all skin cancers preventable with sun safety measures?
Sunlight produces both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), and suppression of the immune system. UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin and plays a key role in the development of skin cancer.
SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, is a relative measure of how long a sunscreen will protect you from UV rays. SPF 30 is the most common level for most people and skin types. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. The higher the SPF rating (number), the better the protection. Macmillan and the NHS recommend a minimum of SPF 30 for effective daily protection from UV rays.
Skin damage from the sun is the primary cause of premature skin aging, so a good daily moisturiser with SPF is the best anti-aging intervention.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UVA AND UVB RAYS
UVA RAYS
UVA rays affect the inner cells in the top layer of skin, including dermis. They’re more penetrating than UVB rays, which means they can affect cells deeper in the skin.
They can penetrate windows and clouds.
Short term effect - cause sunburn
Long term effects - predominantly cause premature aging, wrinkles and some skin cancers
UVB RAYS
UVB rays affect the cells in the top layer of skin
They don’t penetrate windows and are more likely to be filtered by clouds.
Short term effect - cause sunburn
Long term effects - predominantly cause skin cancers but can also contribute to premature aging
TIPS TO PROTECT SKIN AGAINST UV RAYS
Choose sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means the sunscreen has the ability to block out both UVA and UVB rays.
Try to use a minimum of SPF 30 however some protection is better than nothing.
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every 2 hours or more frequently if you’re sweating, exercising, or swimming. It’s important to know there are no waterproof sunscreens, only those that are water-resistant.
Avoid tanning sunbeds.
Cover up
Stay in the shade
Limit your exposure to direct sunlight by staying in the shade. This is most important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are stronger.
Wear a hat
Wear sunglasses that offer UV protection to prevent damage to your eyes and the surrounding skin.
SUMMARY
UVA rays mainly responsible for sunburn and premature ageing of the skin.
UVB rays mainly responsible for skin cancers but also cause sunburn.
SPF protects against UV rays preventing skin cancer and premature ageing.
SPF is not only required when outdoors or in direct sunlight, as UVA rays can penetrate windows and clouds.
A minimum of SPF30 is recommended.
Visit our Skin Care Range page to view our ‘Clinicare’ products that contain SPF (Clinicare Sun Shield SPF30 & Clinicare Dermo Corrective Cream SPF50 – medium and darker shades available).