Sensible Sun Exposure

Today's adults are learning first hand about yesterday's incorrect perception that the person with a dark tan was healthier, probably wealthier and certainly more successful. Growing public awareness that certain kinds of skin cancers are directly attributed to overexposure to Ultra-Violet rays from sunlight has changed this perception. More and more people, young and old, male as well as female, are applying remedies on their skin to block the sun's rays instead of attract them.

The sun not only provides heat and light on earth, but also invisible radiation referred to as Ultra-Violet Rays (UVR). There are three commonly acknowledged ray wave lengths of this radiation - UVA, UVB and UVC, all of which are damaging to the skin.

Most aging over a lifetime is caused by exposure to sunlight. The flushed appearance of the skin from a sunburn is produced by increased blood flow to the skin caused by chemicals released from cells damaged by UV radiation.

UVA rays are approximately 1,000 times less damaging to the skin than UVB rays. During the summer months, however, the amount of UVA rays that reach the earth's surface are about 20 times greater. UVA rays penetrate dense clouds, untinted glass and light clothing. Even on a cloudy day when sun exposure is not obvious, UVA rays cause unanticipated damage to the skin. In addition to being more abundant, UVA rays also penetrate more deeply into the skin.

UVB rays are thought to cause the most photo damage to the skin. Clothing, clouds, and untinted window panes block a great number of UVB rays. The time period for severe exposure to UVB rays is the middle of a clear summer day, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

UVC rays are more worrisome in the southern hemisphere where the ozone layer has become thinner. The thinning of the ozone layer is of concern due to its lost ability to absorb most UVC rays. UVC rays are the most dangerous and intense to all living things, not just mankind.

Penetration by sunlight's UV rays damages both layers of the skin. The destruction of elasticity results in wrinkling and pre-mature aging. The result (also known as photo-aging) of this exposure is elastosis, a process whereby the skin's elastic fibers degenerate and collagen is eliminated. Often this damage starts in childhood, especially when the skin is not protected with proper clothing, hats, eyewear and sun block.

There are many products to choose from when purchasing a sunscreen. It is not common knowledge, however, that some of these sunscreens contain harmful chemicals.

A group of researchers at the University of Zurich in Switzerland tested six common UV screen chemicals: benzophenone-3, homosalate, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC), octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), and octyl-dimethyl-PABA. They found that these sunscreens behaved similar to estrogen in lab tests, making cancer cells grow more rapidly. One UVA screen, butyl-methoxydibenzoyl-methane (B-MDM), did not appear to be a problem. (“New Scientist.” 4/2001)

In addition, current marketing trends have led most readers to believe that a sun block should also be a moisturizer. At MyChelle Dermaceuticals we do not recommend this approach. A moisturizer should have nourishing ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin and have positive affect on those cells. A sun block should never penetrate both layers of the skin but be more of a protective shield from the sun's damaging radiation. This shield should not clog pores or suffocate the skin.

Sun exposure from just running errands in your car or driving to and from work can jeopardize the youthfulness and health of your skin. At MyChelle, we recommend to cleanse, tone, nourish and protect your skin every day. Implement a daily application of sun block to your face, neck and hands as a part of your morning ritual.

Choose sunscreens with avobenzone, titanium dioxide, phylbenzimidoazole-5-sulfonic acid and zinc oxide. Try MyChelle's Sun Shield SPF 30. This non-toxic sun block provides full spectrum sun protection, and, will NOT sting the eyes. Great for children, too!

Sun Protection Tips

1. Plan outdoor activities in the summer in the morning and late afternoon. The sun is most intense from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

2. Although UV rays are less intense on cloudy, overcast days, UVA rays are still present and add to cumulative skin damage.

3. Water, sand and snow reflect UV rays. Since UV rays can be reflected, even sitting in the shade does not mean one is protected from exposure to these harmful rays. Remember to protect your eyes with quality sun glasses.

4. Sun beds emit mostly UVA rays. Overexposure to these rays can still cause your skin to burn and lead to premature aging, wrinkling and the risk of skin cancer.

5. High altitude poses greater risk to sunburn due to the lack of atmosphere to absorb the UV rays.

6. Protect the Children. Remember that sun damage is cumulative. All exposure adds up to permanent damage.