INDIAN SUMMER ~ The Sneaky Sun Damaging Season
Posted on | September 21, 2009 | 1 Comment
Written by Patricia Kaspian, The Great Skin Company
The Sneaky Sun Damaging Season
Everyone is uber-conscious of overexposure to sun-damage during the summer months. And it’s true that the rays of the sun are strongest in the summertime, warranting extra protection. But do you remember to protect your skin the other seasons of the year? Depletion of the ozone layer results in more harmful UVA rays getting through at all times. “Indian Summer”, that beautiful transition time between sizzling summer and frosty fall can actually be just as serious a contender for major sun damage, requiring extra thought when it comes to protection.
The past 100 years of tanning obsession are directly responsible for the prevalence of skin cancer. In addition to revolutionizing women’s styles by introducing the pantsuit in the 1920’s, Coco Chanel also initiated the tanning rage by returning from the French Riviera , bronzed and sun-damaged!
Sunbathing can be safe!
Casual Sun Expose
Sunbathing aside, casual exposure based on daily routine is often overlooked as a source of concern. We should all have heard by now the gripping statistic that 90 to 95% of what we view as inevitable aging is caused by sun damage. More significantly, in 1935 roughly one out of 1500 people were diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Today, the odds have increased to one in 70 in the U.S., with dire predictions of one in 50 by 2010. More common melanoma skin cancers such as Squamous Cell Carcinoma are aggressive and can metastasize.
Six more reasons to stay out of the sun or to use adequate sun protection:
1. Did you know that, while its specific cause is unknown, Rosacea—a skin disease distinguished by persistent facial redness and enlarged capillaries called Telangiestasia, and eventually acne-like outbreaks—is primarily caused by sun exposure and further aggravated by heat and cold?
2. Solar Lentigines—you know them as age spots or liver spots—usually appear post-sunburn, especially during pre and post-menopause.
3. Cataracts, commonly attributed to aging as well as a number of diseases and conditions, now have been proven to be exacerbated by cumulative sun-damage. Impaired vision or blindness can result.
4. Beyond “clearing up”, a popular myth that sun clears up acne, sun exposure actually darkens acne “scars”, technically referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure temporarily halts acne by hardening the outer skin layer, but stimulates oil which feeds bacteria. When the outer layer softens again, after sunbathing, major flare-ups are common, worsening the condition.
5. While malignancy can be genetic, the risk of developing malignant melanoma is mainly attributable to extreme sun exposure, including sunburns before the age of 10. With this data in hand, is there any excuse for allowing children to experience life-threatening sunburns?
6. Previously thought to be safe, tanning beds cause greater damage than sunlight, emitting 95% UVA radiation (more severe than shorter UVB rays) that deeply penetrates skin layers. Though the visible, more superficial sunburn damage of UVB is not present, UVA damage is extremely harmful. Many states now require parental approval for minors who seek out tanning beds.
Clouds, Altitude and Ultra Violet
Remember that Ultraviolet intensity depends on the angle of the sun, not brightness or heat. Clouds and haze conditions are NOT protective and can actually intensify UVA rays. The higher the altitude, the quicker we burn. Studies suggest that an average complexion burns at 6 minutes at 11,000 feet at noon compared to 25 minutes for sea level. Reflective surfaces like sand, water, snow, and concrete intensify exposure. And remember that certain medications cause sun sensitivity.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Protecting Your Skin
The reasons to protect are many; the skin we are born with is unique. As estheticians, beautiful, HEALTHY skin is our topmost concern for you, our clients. We offer the best sun–protection solutions available. Check out our website for COLORESCIENCE Mineral protection information, or call to schedule a complimentary SPF30 Mineral Make-up Application. We also carry the highly touted SOTHYS Cellu-Guard line, and JAN MARINI Anti-Oxidant SPF30 Daily Protectant in Clear or 3 natural tints.
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October 16th, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Hi,
thanks for the great quality of your blog, each time i come here, i’m amazed.
black hattitude.