Sun protection explained.

Now that the sun is out, and the urge to be outside is nearly impossible to resist, you will most likely find yourself trying to figure out what sunscreen is right for your skin. In the last few years, there have been many updates and advances in sun-protection. Though the ingredients may be confusing at first, we will help to simplify it for you.

Sunlight has a profound effect on the skin causing premature skin ageing, skin cancer, and a host of skin changes. Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing. Many skin changes that were commonly believed to be due to ageing, such as easy bruising, are actually a result of prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength.

UVC - 100 to 290 nm

UVB - 290 to 320 nm

UVA - 320 to 400 nm

UVA
UVA was once thought to have a minor effect on skin damage, but now studies are showing that UVA is a major contributor to skin damage. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.

There are two parts of the spectrum of light that concern us when we talk about sun protection: Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B. Because overexposure to both UVA and UVB can cause sunburn, increase your risk of skin cancer, and lead to premature ageing of the skin, a proper sunscreen must block both types of rays.

Initially, sun block ingredients were developed to block UVB light, only. SPF only measures UVB rays. Since then, the importance of blocking UVA has been recognized, and other chemicals such as benzophenones and Parasol 1789 have been added to sun block formulations. Now, broad spectrum sunscreens, which cover both UVA and UVB, are encouraged, in order to completely minimise the sun's hazards.

These chemical ingredients that work by absorbing light can irritate some people. Subsequently, chemical-free products have become available that contain small particles of transparent zinc oxide, much like the thicker form the lifeguards used to apply. Zinc Oxide works by reflecting UVA and UVB light.

One of the newest, ingredients is Mexoryl, developed by L'Oreal’s Skinceutical / La Roche-Posay. A lightweight, non-irritating, broad spectrum additive, Mexoryl proves to work well in protecting your skin from harmful ultra-violet rays.

Lastly, please apply your screen as directed on the label. Apply 20 minutes prior to going out in the sun. Remember reapplication is better than piling a lot on to begin. You need a ‘golf ball’ amount to properly protect your body. Even if your sunscreen is waterproof, reapplication at least every two hours is necessary if you are in direct sunlight. Always reapply after being in the pool or in the sea. Wash skin after sweating and reapply your sun protection. Be sure to have at least an SPF 15, and find the type which feels best on your skin: spray, gel, cream or milk.

Extreme sun-damage