THE SUN AND YOUR SKIN

As we are now entering the summer season, this is a good time to re-visit the sun’s effects on your skin and what we can do to minimize those effects.

THE UV RAYS OF THE SUN
Although Ultraviolet rays comprise only 5% of natural sunlight, they are considered to be the most damaging to the skin.  The UV  rays reaching the earth’s surface in two different forms: UVA and UVB.  UVA rays are called the “aging rays”.  They make up about 95% of the sun’s UV rays.  UVA rays weaken the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging of the skin.  UVB rays are called “burning rays”.  UVB rays cause tanning by stimulating the melanocytes, the cells in the epidermis responsible for producing melanin.  Melanin’s  function is to protect the skin from UV rays but the production of melanin can become dysfunctional when large, frequent doses of UV light are allowed to penetrate the skin.

SKIN AGING
It is estimated that approximately 80 to 85% of skin aging is caused by the effects of UV rays. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermal layer of the skin naturally weaken.  Frequent exposure to UV rays speeds up the weakening of these fibers.

BROWN SPOTS
Brown spots or “liver” spots are considered to be a hyperpigmentation disorder.  In other words, the melanocytes in the area of the spot are producing too much melanin. 
The abnormal pigmentation can be caused by a number of internal and external causes, including genetics.  However, the biggest external cause of pigmentation disorders is caused by over-exposure to UV rays.  Also, continued exposure causes existing hyperpigmentation to become worse.

THE SERIOUS RISK
With over one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, it is predicted that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer.  90% of these cancers will be the result of exposure to UV rays from the sun and from tanning beds.

SUNSCREENS: A REVIEW
Full spectrum sunscreens are formulated to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.  They contain chemical and nonchemical components that absorb and neutralize and/or reflect UV rays.  SPF is the abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor of sunscreens. 
The effectiveness of SPF is as follows:
                        SPF of 2 blocks 50% of UVB rays so that a person can stay in the 2x as     
                                    long as normal without burning
                        SPF  of 8 blocks almost 90% of UVB rays
                        SPF of 15 blocks 93%  of UVB rays and some UVA rays
                        SPF of 30 blocks 96 % of UVB and some UVA rays

SUMMER REMINDERS:
To best protect your skin from aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer:
            -Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on all areas that are exposed to the sun
-Avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV rays         
            Are strongest
-Re-apply sunscreen frequently during the day

Carol Ito, L.Ac., L.E. is Licensed Acupuncturist and Licensed Esthetician and owner of
Rancho Mirage Acupuncture and Skin Care. She can be reached for more information at 760-568-1417 or info@acuandskincare.com