The Good, the Bad and Tanning

Why is it important to protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation? 

Sun radiation is an integral part of our lives.  It provides our world with light and heat and is vital to life.  But these rays also fill a decisive role in the skin’s early aging.  They speed up the production of free radicals in the skin and induce a chemical reaction in the cells that causes accumulative damage, collagen and elastin destruction and the appearance of freckles, spots, pigmentation and wrinkles.  Excessive exposure to this type of radiation can also cause changes to the skin cells’ DNA, which fill a key role in the skin’s aging, and even induce skin cancer.

The main types of solar radiation we should avoid: 

1. UVB – these rays cause sunburns on the skin. This type of radiation is entirely absorbed in the epidermis – the outer skin layer and induces redness in the skin, peeling and burns when we expose our skin to the sun for too long.
2. UVA – these rays are the main cause of the skin’s early aging. This type of radiation penetrates the skin’s middle layer, the dermis, and induces collagen and elastin destruction. It affects vital structures in the skin and speeds up its aging. 

What effects does tanning have on our facial skin? 

Immediate sun damage: 

• Redness – mainly appears about two to six hours after exposure and starts fading within 24 hours.
• Sunburns – at various levels, according to the level of exposure.
• Freckles – may appear shortly after exposure.
• Pigmentation that appears immediately after exposure to the sun – this condition is mainly caused by an inflammatory process being created in the skin due to sun exposure and another factor, for example taking a specific medication.
• Rash – this condition is caused by the immune system’s reaction to sun radiation.

Subsequent damages:

• Dry, rough and textured skin without elasticity and vitality – caused by the impaired function of the skin to maintain moisture.
• The onset of freckles and pigmentation – often appears already in the twenties, which later become more pronounced.
• Accelerated aging of the skin – manifested by early onset and increased wrinkles and spots, loose and saggy skin. That is a result of damage to the collagen and elastin fibers.
• Dilation of the capillaries – as a result of damage to blood vessels.
• The development of skin cancer – repeated and prolonged exposures may cause DNA damage to the skin cells and a compromised immune system at the same time, causing skin cancer in some people.

How should the type of cream be suited to our skin type?
First, under FDA guidelines, for all skin types, a formula that provides protection against the two types of harmful sun radiation, UVA and UVB, should be used.  Those with fair skin are prone to get burns faster than those with darker skin. Therefore, they require sunscreens with a higher SPF.   In general, you should pick a product with an SPF factor of 30 or higher, and those who are at risk, or when going out for a long outdoor activity – sunscreens with an SPF factor of 50 or higher.  The Sunbrella range includes sunscreens that are suited to daily use and integrate moisture with the skin’s protection against UVA and UVB radiation.  The range includes products with sunscreens in two levels – SPF 30 and SPF 50+ for a specially high level of protection.  Each one of theproducts, at two protection levels, is also offered with a makeup-like cover.  Additionally, either product is also available in a “to-go” version, which you can carry in your bag.   The products’ range is characterized by a light texture, leaving the facial skin soft and pleasant. They’re quickly absorbed and maintain the skin’s natural tone without leaving a white layer on the facial skin. The products contain a hyaluronic-acid booster, which raises the moisture level in the skin and improves its texture and wrinkles’ appearance, as well as vitamin E, which reduces damage caused by sun radiation and improves the skin’s moisture level.