Sun Damage and Your Skin…
April is our designated “Sun Damage Awareness Month”.
Let’s be honest, we all love the way our skin looks with some summer color. A tan makes the skin “glow” and gives the illusion of youth and vitality. Once the sun dwindles into winter drone, we are left with blotchy spots, sun damage, mottled appearance, and lets not forget WRINKLES.
We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn’t take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and even cancer.
Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
• UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.
• UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.
• UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth.
As the melanin increases in response to sun exposure, the skin tans. But even that “healthy” tan may be a sign of sun damage. The risk of damage increases with the amount and intensity of exposure. Those who are chronically exposed to the sun, such as farmers, boaters, and sunbathers, are at much greater risk.
We chose this month to focus on sunscreen protection, discuss its importance in a skincare regimen, and offer our customer’s special pricing to start the season out on the right foot.
There are many good sunscreens available, including formulations for sensitive skin, brands without any additives, long-lasting waterproof and sweat-proof versions, and easy-application varieties in spray bottles. Many tinted sunscreens are available that make it easy to see where you applied the product and offer a slight color to the skin. Tinted varieties are popular for weekend wear and outdoor activities such as skiing, gardening, and biking.
We have exciting new developments in sun protection that most people are not aware of- Heliocare Sun Vitamines. These are actually oral supplements that work with the body’s immune system to increase the natural protection your skin has to UVA and UVB radiation. While protecting your skin on the surface with sunscreen, oral supplements will protect the skin from the inside out. Does this actually work? YOU BET! Studies have shown that a multi-tiered approach to protection from sun exposure takes years off the look of your skin.
Welcome this Spring with a whole new look. fresh, flawless, and protected!
