What is Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) and UVA or UVB?

For a six billion-year-old star, the sun is certainly in the news a lot lately, mainly because it is still a source of uncertainty and confusion to many of us.The center of this confusion is the sun’s ultraviolet A (long-wave) and ultraviolet B (shortwave) rays. Our understanding of exactly what kinds of damage each causes to the skin, and how best to protect ourselves, seems to shift every year as new research comes out. For example, it was once thought that only UVB was of concern, but we keep learning more and more about the damage caused by UVA. And new, improved forms of protection against UVA keep emerging. Keeping up with these new developments is a worthwhile challenge that can help all of us prevent sun damage.

What is Ultraviolet Radiation?

UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye. These wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC, with UVA the longest of the three at 320-400 nanometers (nm, or billionths of a meter). UVA is further divided into two wave ranges, UVA I, which measures 340-400 nanometers (nm, or billionths of a meter), and UVA II which extends from 320-400 nanometers. UVB ranges from 290 to 320 nm. With even shorter rays, most UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth.

Both UVA and UVB, however, penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts), and skin cancers. They also suppress the immune system, reducing your ability to fight off these and other maladies.

UV Radiation and Skin Cancer

By damaging the skin’s cellular DNA, excessive UV radiation produces genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have identified UV as a proven human carcinogen. UV radiation is considered the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers strike more than a million and more than 250,000 Americans, respectively, each year. Many experts believe that, especially for fair-skinned people, UV radiation also frequently plays a key role in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which kills more than 8,000 Americans each year.

UVA

Most of us are exposed to large amounts of UVA throughout our lifetime. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent. They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.

UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), but until recently scientists believed it did not cause significant damage in areas of the epidermis (outermost skin layer) where most skin cancers occur. Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. (Basal and squamous cells are types of keratinocytes.) UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.

UVA is the dominant tanning ray, and we now know that tanning, whether outdoors or in a salon, causes cumulative damage over time. A tan results from injury to the skin’s DNA; the skin darkens in an imperfect attempt to prevent further DNA damage. These imperfections, or mutations, can lead to skin cancer.

Tanning booths primarily emit UVA. The high-pressure sunlamps used in tanning salons emit doses of UVA as much as 12 times that of the sun. Not surprisingly, people who use tanning salons are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. According to recent research, first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.

UVB

UVB, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tends to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging. Its intensity varies by season, location, and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice, which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin twice. UVB rays do not significantly penetrate glass.

Home Treatments When You Get Sun Burned

Home remedies may provide some relief from a mild sunburn. Remember a sun burn is a like any other burn from heat in which the cells become damaged. Be gentle and try not to further irritate the area.

Use cool cloths on sunburned areas, you should gently pat to allow the heat to disperse from the cloth after it absorbs the heat from the sun burn. You can try to take frequent cool showers or baths also.

Apply soothing lotions that contain Aloe Vera to sunburned areas. Topical steroids (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) may also help with sunburn pain and swelling. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area for yourself or in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.

There is little you can do to stop skin from peeling after a strong sunburn-it is part of the healing process. However application of a good natural or organic lotion may help because it will increase the antioxidants in the sunburned area and speed up the cell rejuvenation process. In addition lotion may help relieve the itching once the skin has started to peel.

A sunburn can cause a mild fever and a headache. Lie down in a cool, quiet room to relieve the headache. A headache may be caused by dehydration, so drinking fluids may help.

Other natural home treatments, such as essential oils like lavender, geranium, or calendula, may help relieve your sunburn symptoms.

You can try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever or pain, aspirin is great for lessening the effects of a burn if taken soon enough.

* Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol for pain and fever
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for swelling from the burn
* Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin for pain and fever
* Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Bayer for pain, fever and to thin the blood which will help reduce the burn

Talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance you or your child will get too much medicine.

Protection Daily from Sun Exposure for Healthy and Safe Skin

Some experts claim over half of sun damage occurs during our every day activities – walking to the car, going in and out of buildings, walking along the street shopping, and so on – not while we’re sunbathing. Unfortunately, this means we should to wear sunscreen just about every time we leave the house. Most sunscreens are fairly toxic and organic sun care is blooming. More products are becoming available that are organic, natural and eliminate harmful toxins. This is great news for all of us especially our younger ones and babies.

Remeber organic sunblock is only one step you can take to protect yourself from the sun. Covering up can be just as important as the type of skin care or sun care product you use. The clothes we would prefer on a warm summer day – lightweight, light-colored clothing made with loosely-woven fabric – do not offer much protection. That’s why kids who swim with T-shirts over their bathing suit still get burned.

To completely block UV rays you need clothing with a ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of about 1700. A white T-shirt has a UPF of seven. The same T-shirt in green has a UPF of 10. A dark, thick fabric like velvet comes in at about 50. To reach 1700 you’d need a long-sleeved dark denim shirt. Not exactly anyone’s idea of fun in the sun.

The long and short of it is that while we may be willing and able to cover up with high UPF clothing in some circumstances, there’s no way that’s going to fly at the beach. So, you’re going to have to resort to sunscreen, and, to be safe, you’re going to need a skin care product that protects you from the sunscreen’s dangerous chemical ingredients.

How do you do that? Your first line of defense is natural sunscreen – check your local health food store. However, not all these products are completely toxic free so you’ll still some additional protection. Your best bet for that is a shielding lotion: A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that keeps out chemicals. It also locks in natural moisture – another thing you have to be concerned with when you’re out in the sun: sunburn equals dehydration.

Summer sun care can be complex but remeber its sunlight is good. Try to use organic sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and a natural after sun lotion. These natural skin care products can help you enjoy your summer without concern for your health.

Facials – A History of Facial Skin Care

Sun Care Facial Skin Treatments

Facial Mask Treatments After Sun Exposure

In recent past years people have used masks as skin and facial treatment. Facial mask is a creamy mask applied to clean or smooth the face. It often contains minerals, vitamins, and fruit extracts, such as cactus and cucumber. There are different kinds of masks for different purposes; some are deep cleansing for cleaning the pores. The perceived effect of a facial mask treatment can be revitalizing, rejuvenating or refreshing.

Facial masks are most commonly used by women but are also used by men. Applying mask as your facial treatment should be selected according to your skin type:

For oily skin: use clay and mud masks. Clay is an important element present in the earth that can be mixed with water to form a smooth paste and thereby provide a smooth texture for the skin. Mineral clay heals, improves circulation and makes the skin soft and supple. Mud rich with minerals absorbs excess oil, cleans clogged pores and removes blackheads and deeply embedded impurities.

For dry skin: use cream-based masks. You can try masks made from clay added by honey, yogurt, or milk to smooth skin, moisten, and cleans pores.

For normal skin: choose mask made from oatmeal mixed with white egg and milk as your facial treatment to remove all the dead cells present in the skin and get soften skin.

For getting the best result of this skin care facial mask should used with these following steps:

1. Use mask after cleansing your face.

2. Avoid applying mask on the area around eyes and mouth.

3. Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes. Remove with wet sponge, and wash the skin with cool water.

4. You should not apply mask as your facial treatment everyday. Apply it once or twice a week is enough.

5. Follow those steps with applying toner/astringent and then face moisturizing lotion.

You can do that facial treatment by yourself in your home. Besides for facial treatment, you can use mask as your body skin care treatment. Enjoy your relax time and get healthy, supple, and glowing skin.

Melanoma – Sun Care to Avoid Melanoma

Melanoma 101

Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. Though it doesn’t affect as many people as other skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths, reports the Mayo Clinic.

• How it occurs. Melanoma occurs in cells called melanocytes. These cells create melanin, which is responsible for skin pigment and helps protect against UV rays. When skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes produce more melanin, tanning the skin.

Sometimes, these cells mutate, growing and dividing quicker than normal cells, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These cells clump together, forming tumors. If tumors are malignant, they can attack the healthy tissue. They also can spread and form new tumors throughout the body, which is common with melanoma — if it isn’t treated early enough.

• Who’s at risk. The following people are at increased risk for melanoma and need to be extra diligent about sun safety:
  • People with fair skin, because they have lower amounts of melanin and need greater protection
  • People living in southwestern states where sun exposure is strong
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People who have a family history of melanoma
  • People who’ve suffered severe sunburn in childhood or recent years

Moles: Unusual vs. normal moles

You should see a dermatologist once a year to have your moles checked. In addition, keeping tabs on your moles is key to catching melanoma in its early stages.

Here’s a look at the differences between irregular moles (or dysplastic nevi, which can lead to melanoma) and regular moles.

• Dysplastic nevi can appear as a combination of tan, brown, red/pink moles and are often larger than 5 millimeters across, about ¼ inch.
• Ordinary moles are round or oval and have a concise edge that separates them from the rest of the skin. Dysplastic nevi have irregular edges and blend into the skin.
• Regular moles start as smooth spots on the skin and may become raised, creating a tiny bump. Dysplastic nevi tend to have a scaly, rough or rocky surface but also can be smooth.
• The typical number of moles is usually between 10 and 40 on a person’s body. Dysplastic nevi are found in large numbers (100 or more), although someone might have just a few.
• In men, harmful moles are often found between the shoulders and hips and neck and head areas. In women, they typically appear on the lower legs, shoulders and hips.

The ABCDEs of monitoring your moles

Here’s a quick way to check old moles that become irregular and new moles that develop, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you answer yes to any of the questions below, see a doctor immediately.

• A (Asymmetry): If you were to split the mole in two, are the sides unequal?
• B (Border): Are the edges of the mole jagged or blurry?
• C (Color): Has the mole changed color (i.e., has the color spread or darkened? Is there a loss of color? Does the mole have multiple colors?)
• D (Diameter): Is the mole larger than ¼ in diameter?
• E (Elevation): Is the mole raised above the skin and rough?

Sun safety

Use these tips to keep your skin safe from melanoma and other skin cancers and sun damage.

• Don’t tan outdoors or use tanning beds. Remember that any sun exposure is damaging to skin, so there’s no safe way to tan (including that “base tan”).
• Wear sunscreen every day and apply it correctly. Though everyone knows that sunscreen is necessary, the majority of people don’t apply enough of it or as often as they should — creating a false sense of security, where you don’t get the full SPF but think you’re protected. Here’s how to ensure you’re fully protecting your skin.
  • Make sure to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Look for ingredients such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789), which provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use at least one ounce (a shot glass or two tablespoons) of sunscreen every time you apply.
  • Reapply every two hours even if a sunscreen is labeled “water-resistant.”These sunscreens can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek the shade. However, being in the shade should never substitute for sunscreen, because the sand and concrete reflect UV rays. The sun also reflects off of water and snow, so be especially careful around these areas.

Baby Sun Care Benefits

Sunlight consists of a wide range of different wavelengths of radiation. Some of these we can sense – the warmth we feel in sunlight comes from Infra-Red radiation, and the light we can see comes from radiation in the visible spectrum. There are other wavelengths in sunlight that we can’t see, and chief among these are those in the Ultra Violet group. There are at least three different types of Ultra-Violet radiation and these are generally referred to as UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVC Radiation

Taking these in reverse order, UVC has the shortest wavelength and although it is potentially very harmful to our skin, it is completely filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere and so does not affect us.

UVB Radiation

UVB radiation is the one that causes the appearance of a tan after sun exposure. It does this by stimulating the formation of the pigment ‘melanin’ in the deeper layers of the skin and activates it’s movement to the outer skin layers. Here it acts as an antioxidant and skin protector – it is in fact part of our natural defence against sun damage.

UVB radiation also causes thickening of the outer layers of the skin, and if exposure is taken to excess is what causes sun-burn. This should be avoided at all costs, particularly by children, as it is thought that sun-burn in early years may lead to an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.

UVA Radiation

UVA radiation is potentially the most damaging form as it penetrates deeper into the skin. In the deep basal layers of the skin UVA can damage the DNA that makes up the blueprint of each cell, and can result in mutated cells that no longer reproduce properly. This in turn may be a primary cause of some skin cancers, although they may take years or even decades to manifest themselves.

UVA also damages structures made from or containing collagen and elastin and this is one of the main causes of wrinkles and premature ageing in skin that is often exposed to sunlight.

General Advice

The general advice given to adults who are going to be exposed to sunlight can be summed up in the now famous Australian adage of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ – Slip on a Shirt, Slop on a Hat, Slap on some Sun-cream. Clearly, all three of these actions are designed to reduce exposure to sunlight and therefore minimise the risks involved.

Further advice is to avoid exposure to the sun when it as its strongest – between mid-day and three in the afternoon. When you think about it, this is the traditional time when many Mediterranean countries have lunch followed by a Siesta – both taken indoors thereby avoiding the worst effects of the sun.

Keeping my baby from getting a sunburn?

The best way to protect your baby is to keep your baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Routinely dress him in a hat, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for outings during the middle of the day. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven fabrics (to see how tight the weave is, hold the fabric up to a light — the less light that shines through, the better). Add UV-protective sunglasses if your baby will wear them. Use an umbrella, stroller canopy, or sun-protective tent to protect your baby while he’s outside.

Until August 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended against using any type of sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, because their skin’s ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals may not be fully developed. This recommendation has been revised somewhat. You can use sunscreen on babies under 6 months if adequate clothing and shade aren’t available, but check with your pediatrician first. That doesn’t mean you should slather your baby in sunblock, though. Just apply a small amount of lotion to exposed areas.

For babies over 6 months, use a waterproof sunscreen designed for children. Choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it protects against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are good to use on particularly sensitive spots, such as the nose and lips.

The AAP and American Academy of Dermatology recommend an SPF of at least 15, but many experts recommend SPF 30 or higher for babies, and many baby sunscreen formulas have even higher SPFs. If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every two hours, especially if your baby has been playing in the water or has been sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof).

When trying a new sunscreen, do a patch test on your child’s back to make sure he doesn’t have a reaction to it. If he does develop a rash or redness at the test site, choose a hypoallergenic formula instead.

Baby Sun Skin Care for the Summer

The hot days of summer are getting more intense with every year. Especially if you’re in the Northeast where we have a a sun-driven heatwave. Regardless of what zone you live in, smart skin protection is the best medicine to keep your child skin safe in the sun.

You probably remember your first sunburn and maybe even your latest one because it’s so easy for adults to splash sun screen on their kids, and forget to put it on themselves.  As you know, infant skin burns much more easily than adult skin. That’s why it’s important to take extra care with infants and toddlers when they are out in the sun.

UV Rays
It’s no secret that the depletion of the ozone layer has changed our way of thinking about sun protection. There is no doubt that the sun rays today are stronger and more intense those of 60 years ago.

Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun causes skin damage and premature aging. However, it is important to remember that sunlight is important to good health. Small amounts of ultraviolet rays stimulate the body to produce vitamin D, an essential vitamin for good health. Deficiency of vitamin D is a serious health concern and leads to conditions such as rickets in children. In short, moderate sun is healthy, but sunburns are not.
Too much exposure to sunlight can result in immediate pain and long-term harm. Without getting too scientific here, sunburn is caused by extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Short-term results can be pain, allergic reactions and heat stroke.  In the long term, researchers say that victims of sunburn can suffer from lupus, cataracts, premature skin aging and an increased risk for skin cancer.

Skin Type
A person’s sensitivity to the sun is related to his or her skin type. An individual’s skin type determines how easily that person can become sunburned. Those with fair skin, freckles, blue eyes and/or blonde or red hair sunburn much easier than those with darker skin, eyes and hair.

Children younger than 6 years of age and adults older than 60 years are at an increased risk for sunburn. Skin type affects how easily you become sunburned. People with fair or freckled skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes usually sunburn easily. Your age also affects how your skin reacts to the sun.

Young Skin is Sensitive
The skin of children under age 6 and adults over age 60 is more sensitive to sunlight. Premature aging from sunlight can affect people of all skin shades. A sunburn can be caused by the sun or by artificial tanning sources, including tanning beds and sun tanning lights. You can even get sunburned not only in the summer, but also in the winter.

Here are some basic sun care tips:

• Sunlight is most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so avoid exposure during these times
• Avoid exposing babies younger than six months of age to direct sunlight
• Dress your child in light, loose clothing that covers the whole body
• Use a sun hat or bonnet, and keep the sunshade up on the stroller up This is good advice for young babies
• Toddlers often resent the restrictions of clothing, and feel it’s best to run around naked. For these free little spirits, use a gentle, natural sunscreen with organic ingredients, available at your health food store
• Slather on sunscreen generously and reapply, even on cloudy hazy days
• Never put sunscreen too close to children’s eyes or on their hands, as they might rub their eyes and cause irritation
• Keep your child and yourself well hydrated. Keep water bottles handy or nearby
• Bring a beach umbrella to the beach or park(if there are no shady trees nearby)

Have fun in the sun this summer, but do take care of the tender skin.

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