Myth. Reality. Solutions.
If you have had two or more bad sunburns in your life, tan regularly, had a blood relative who was diagnosed with skin cancer or concerned that you may be prematurely showing signs of aging, talk with your doctor.

Sun Damage Myths
“I’m not damaging my skin because...
I go red but I don’t let myself burn”
I have dark skin that tans easily”
I only burn at the start of the season to set my tan for the summer”

Many people confuse sun damage with sunburn when it comes to their skin. Red, hot, painful, peeling is in fact, an extreme form of an acute sunburn. However, the same constant exposure to the sun that fades furniture, carpets and drapes also adds cumulative damage to your skin!

As we age our skin ages. This process can be tremendously amplified and accelerated with exposure to the sun. Wrinkles, brown spots, sagging and a loss of collagen can all develop prematurely with sun exposure. Furthermore over 90% of some forms of skin cancer are directly associated with sun exposure!

What causes sun damage?
Sunlight contains radiation of different wavelengths. We can see some with our eyes (visible light) but most of the radiation is made up of wavelengths that we can not see (e.g. ultraviolet radiation or UVR). UVR is divided into three categories, namely: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer so it doesn’t cause our skin any harm. UVA and UVB on the other hand accelerate the aging of skin (wrinkles, brown spots, leathery texture…) and is directly linked to certain forms of skin cancer.

A little UVB is a good thing for us to have as it helps us with some of our required functions such as producing Vitamin D. The amount of UVB that we require, however, is very little and can be obtained with only a few minutes in the sun. The consequences of UVR damage to our skin from too much sun exposure can not be over stated. Looking older before your time is caused mostly by the sun.  Furthermore, over 90% of non melanoma skin cancer is associated with UVR induced damage of the skin!

Facts about UVA & UVB
Do UVA and UVB act the same way?
Not entirely. Some of the damaging effect on our skin is common to both UVA and UVB but not all. For example UVB has a direct effect on our DNA and it destroys Vitamin A. UVA does not do that however it has an indirect effect on our DNA and penetrates more deeply into our skin than UVB.

UVA
Is not blocked by windows!
Is present all day and every day
Is not affected by weather or altitude
Penetrates deep into the skin
Damages collagen and accelerates skin aging
Damages (indirectly) your DNA

UVB
Is blocked by windows
Varies with weather, altitude, near the equator
More intense at midday and in summer
Damages collagen and accelerates skin aging
Destroys Vitamin A and accelerates skin aging
Directly damages your DNALinked to over 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer

Deep wrinkles, age spots, and leathery skin indicate premature aging
caused by years of unprotected exposure to the sun.

Safer Sun Care Tips
• Use sunscreen every day to avoid cumulative sun damage
• Make certain that your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB
• If you are going somewhere sunny and warm for a holiday or travelling to high altitudes you should use a sunscreen with a higher SPF value
• It takes approximately 30minutes for your sunscreen to be efficient, so apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun, not when you are already exposed!
• Reapply every two to three hours
• Most people do not use enough sunscreen. 30ml is required to cover the average adult body!
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, toweling or heavy sweating
• Lips get sun damage too! Wear a lip balm with an SPF
• Wear UVB blocking sun glasses to protect against cataracts
• Wear a hat, long sleeves or other protective clothing
• Seek Shade
• UVB is strongest from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Schedule your outdoor activities to minimize your exposure during these hours
If you are using an insect repellent, avoid those that are combined with a sunscreen, and always apply your sunscreen first at least 30 minutes before applying your insect repellent