Choose Your Sunscreen Wisely by Natalie Katsman

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Choose Your Sunscreen Wisely

by Natalie Katsman

http://www.natural-aid.com

Going through isles of sun care products, you probably

noticed that many offer "Complete UVA/UVB protection".

Why do you need to be protected from both, and what is

the difference between the two?

UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet rays that change

physical and chemical condition of the skin. They produce

different effects, but at the same time enhance each

other’s action.

UVB rays are the burning rays that cause immediate skin

reaction - redness and swelling that you see within hours

of sun exposure. As you look at yourself in the mirror, you

are not likely to think of your sun kissed skin in these terms.

It definitely looks better now that there is a glow to it and

wrinkles seem to be less visible. But the look is deceiving.

The glow is caused by increased blood flow to the skin as

a rescue response to repair the damage, and wrinkles are

less visible because your skin has just suffered an injury

and is puffed.

UVB rays are responsible for skin cancer and cataract.

UVA rays stimulate production of melanin, the skin pigment.

Melanin is formed in deeper skin layers and reaches the

surface in two-three days. This is when you see that you

got tan. Unfortunately, there is little to be proud about,

as tanning is what your body does to protect itself from the

sun. It is a reaction to potentially dangerous conditions

that you expose yourself to.

If your are trying to avoid freckles, age spots, pregnancy

mask or any other type of skin discoloration, UVA rays are

your first enemy. It is important to remember that while glass

windows block UVB rays, they do nothing to shield you

form UVA rays.

UVA rays were thought to be less damaging, and common

belief was that safe tanning was possible: you block UVB

and enjoy the bronzing effect of UVA rays. Wrong! Recent

research proves that UVA rays may be even more dangerous

than UVB. They reach deeper into the skin layers and contribute

to photoaging and development of melanoma, a very dangerous

type of skin cancer.

Photoaging is aging of the skin caused by sunlight. Collagen,

a large protein, is the main skin building block. 90% of the

skin mass is collagen which contributes to skin’s firmness,

strength and elasticity. Skin has the ability to renew collagen

fibers: grow new ones and dissolve those that are damaged. UV

rays interfere with these chemical reactions and suppress

collagen production while stimulating collagen destruction. In

our 20’s, collagen production slows down, and eventually all

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BIO:

Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com,
where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty
and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled
with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing,
skin care and cosmetic chemistry.

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