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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
I’m concerned about
sun damage. Can you shed some light on sunscreens?
Well, if we ever get any sun, we should know what to use on our skin! Gone
are the days of iodine and baby oil, turtle cream, coconut creams and lard
fat - the homemade tanning remedies. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation in
the UVA, UVB and UVC bands. The Earth’s ozone layer blocks 98.7 percent of
this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. 98.7 percent of
the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is UVA. (Some of
UVB and UVC radiation is responsible for the degeneration of the ozone
layer.)
UVA, UVB and UVC can all damage collagen fibers and thereby accelerate aging
of the skin. Both UVA and UVB destroy vitamin A in skin, causing further
damage. In the past, UVA was considered less harmful, but today it is known
to contribute to skin cancer via indirect DNA damage. It penetrates deeply
but it does not cause sunburn. UVA does not damage DNA directly like UVB and
UVC, but it can generate reactive chemicals, such as hydroxyl and oxygen
radicals, which can damage DNA. Because it does not cause reddening of the
skin, it cannot be measured in SPF (Sun Protection Factor) testing. There is
no perfect measurement for blockage of UVA radiation, but it is important
that sunscreen block both UVA and UVB. The idea is to protect ourselves from
the Ultraviolet (UV) light.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher provide protection against UVB. If it
takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an
SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer - about
five hours. SPF 15 blocks 93 percent, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, SPF 50
blocks 98 percent of all incoming UVB rays. Not one sunscreen can block all
UV rays.
I believe that it isn’t so much the sun that causes cancer, as it is what we
put on our skin. We have two choices: chemical sunscreens or natural
sunscreens. The difference is that the chemical sunscreens absorb UVA, while
putting chemicals into our skin and our blood stream. The natural, mineral
sunscreens use nano particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which
remain on the skin to reflect and scatter both UVA and UVB rays away from
the body. This forms a physical barrier shield, without irritating or
clogging the pores, while moisturizing and protecting it through the oils,
plants and vitamin antioxidants. This also protects the DNA. The smart
choice is natural.
For more expert advice on natural products & supplements, contact
Janet Rowe at Health & natural Lifestyles at 403.212.6077.
www.healthy-option.com |
