Great skincare can start at any age. When it comes to the
skin of our children, understanding UVA/UVB rays and protection
from these rays is important.
Good protection depends on correct use of sunscreen. Make
sure you apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to going
outside in the sun, remembering to reapply
frequently. When choosing a sunscreen, be sure
to select a product that has a “broad spectrum”
protection. This will help ensure protection from UVA and
UVB rays.
UV rays have wavelengths shorter than those of the visible
light we see by, and of the infrared rays that keep us warm.
UV’s release more energy than other rays. Those rays
have a decisive impact on the health of our skin.
UVA rays are not blocked by the stratospheric ozone layer
and reaches the ground in relatively large amounts. It is
the least threatening, but far from harmless. UVA rays penetrate
to the inner layer of the skin (dermis) where it can damage
blood vessels, DNA and compromise the skin’s physical
support system, contributing to premature aging and wrinkling
of the skin.
UVB rays are more damaging than UVA rays, but because UVB
rays are effectively blocked by the ozone layer (less than
1% of the sun’s energy that reaches the surface),
they are less abundant. UVB rays are more prevalent in the
summer. UVB light effects only the outer layer of the skin
(epidermis). They are more energetic than UVA rays and can
cause sunburn much faster and are the single-most major
cause of skin cancer.
SPF stands for sun protection
factor, and it is a measure of how long you can
stay exposed to the sun. SPF numbers on a package can range
from as low as 2 to as high as 60. These numbers refer to
the product’s ability to screen or block out the sun’s
burning rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing
the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected
skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on
unprotected skin.
Let us take for example a fair skinned person who would
normally turn red after 10 minutes in the sun. 10 minutes
is their “initial burning time” If that person
uses a sunscreen with SPF of 2, it takes 20 minutes in the
sun for that person’s skin to turn red. Now if that
person uses a sunscreen with SPF 15, it multiplies the initial
burning time by 15, so it takes 150 minutes, or 2 1/2 hours
for that person’s skin to turn red.
SPF in the range of 15 and 40 is enough protection for
most people. Be careful of sunscreens that have SPF of 45
and higher. These sunscreens have a higher amount of chemicals
that can cause your skin to break out.
Radiance Laser & Skin Aesthetics offers :
laser hair removal
facials
glycolic peels (great for acne!!)
microdermabrasions
photofacials
combination treatments
professional skincare products
Call today for your complimentary skin analysis with Jennifer.
235-6208
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