health & fitness
UVA Rays UVA rays are long-wave rays that penetrate deeper, affecting the dermis layer of skin. UVB rays have the immediate visible effects of sunburn and reddening skin, but UVA rays have less obvious immediate effects, and over time can cause lasting and extensive damage. UVA rays cause damage to the deeper layers of our skin, resulting in loss of elasticity, increased wrinkles, and other forms of pre-mature aging. In addition to cosmetic damage, UVA rays are the leading cause of Melanoma cancer. This cancer is extremely deadly and kills about 8,000 Americans a year. Melanoma may begin as a dark lesion, but sometimes it has no color at all, and it spreads rapidly to other areas on the skin and even other areas on the body. Even longer waves that can penetrate deep into the skin's surface releasing free radicals and causing DNA changes that can result in skin cancers.
Although UVA rays are the main "tanning" rays, they cause cumulative damage overtime. Youths who are exposed to UVA rays from tanning beds are 75% more likely to develop Melanoma cancer later in life. A tan is the result of injury to the skin’s DNA; the skin darkens in an attempt to prevent more damage to the skin’s DNA. Protection and Prevention To prevent sun damage and reduce the effects of both UVA and UVB rays, it is important to apply protection every day. For full defense against both types of rays, make sure to look closely at the sunscreen you are buying. The bottle should include the phrases "multi spectrum," "broad spectrum," or "UVA/UVB protection;" this ensures that you are receiving defense from both long and short-wave sun rays. Even if a sunscreen claims that it protects against UVA rays, most of the time it doesn’t block you from all of them. Sunscreens with stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule (a.k.a. Mexoryl™), oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide are best for UVA protection. Another thing to note when buying sunscreen is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden the skin while using the sunscreen versus how long it
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would take for the skin to redden with no protection. The days of SPF 4 are out and safe skin is in. This means make it a rule to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. The higher the SPF, the higher percentage of UVB rays are blocked. Simple changes to your sunscreen or “sun worshipping” ways can have a lasting effect on your overall health. Protect yourself from damaging rays now and you will enjoy youthful, healthy skin for years to come. Don’t hide away from our sunny friend, but make sure to keep an eye on yourself and the relationship you have with our bright companion and you can form a happy and healthy connection.
Prevention Guidelines: • Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm. • Do not burn. • Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. • Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. • For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. • Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. • Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months. • Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. • See your physician every year for a professional skin exam. www.skincancer.org
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JULY-AUGUST 2012 | VivaTysons
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