What's the buzz with UVB and UVA rays?

A neighbor of mine mentioned that she'd been to a tanning salon since the weather didn't allow for her to sun bathe at the pool. Even though she's aware of sun damage to the skin, the look of white winter flesh in a black dress at a wedding overruled caring for her skin. How many women would choose the same alternative regardless of knowing the damage caused by ultraviolet light?

Dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann, author of The Skin Type Solution writes, "When UV light hits the skin, it stimulates an increased production of skin pigment, which is what we call tanning. This is the skin's major defense against further UV damage. In addition to tanning skin, ultraviolet light worsens melasma and causes sun pots (solar lentigos)."

UVB and UVA

The sun and its ultraviolet light reach the skin in two different forms and influences the skin at two different levels. When frequent doses of UV light penetrate the skin it can alter melanin. Melanin is designed to protect the skin from the sun.

UVB rays cause immediate sunburn. Often referred to as "burning rays." They cause tanning of the skin by affecting melanocytes, (cells that produce pigment granules).

UVA rays cause long term damage. Often referred to as "aging rays." They weaken the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, which causes wrinkles and sagging in the tissues.

The sun and UV rays have a huge affect on how our skin ages. According to MD Formulations, "Even though our skin does "naturally" age, research has shown that 90% of premature aging is due to harmful environmental elements particularly UV radiation or sun exposure."

Most importantly, apply the sunscreen. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB rays. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number indicates how many times longer you can stay in the sun before starting to burn while wearing sunscreen than if you were not wearing any sunscreen protection. With a higher SPF number, the concentration of ingredients is higher. Look at the active ingredients listed. The chemicals in sunscreens either interact with skin to prevent the sun from burning it, or physically block the sun. Blocking sunscreens are less common than chemical sunscreens.

Physical sunscreens prevent the sun's rays from penetrating the skin by blocking and reflecting the sun's rays from reaching the skin's surface. All of the sun's rays whether they are ultraviolet A or B are blocked. Two points:

1. Most effective when the ingredient silicone is added to them.
2. Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide

Chemical sunscreens provide a protective layer of sunscreen ingredients that are quickly absorbed by the skin and can be both waterproof and sweat proof. Several points:

1. Provides Ultraviolet B ray protection or
2. Provides additional protection against ultraviolet A rays
3. Active ingredients: Parsol 1789 and Oxybenzone

Best protection is one with an SPF number greater than 30 and offers protection against ultraviolet A rays.

Check out Dermalogica Solar Defense product line. To find a salon near you visit: http://www.dermalogica.com/