Sunscreen article

UV light, what is it?

UV stands for Ultra Violet and UV light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is radiated from the sun. Having shorter wavelength than visible light, all UV lights, including UVA, UVB and UVC, are invisible. These three UV lights differentiate from one another by their relative wavelengths, with UVA being the longest and UVC being the shortest.

While UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not travel as far down the earth, UVA and UVB are our concern. UVA is a more immediate threat to your skin because with long wavelength and the ability to come through the clouds, it can affect your skin even on cloudy days. Even when you are inside a car driving, you will still be receiving radiation from UVA because this light can penetrate through the glass window and affect your skin.

UVA reaches the earth extensively and is primarily responsible for skin aging and the formation of fine lines. Even though being essential for the formation of vitamin D, UVA may also be responsible for the development of skin cancer by damaging keratinocytes. Interestingly, UVA is widely used in tanning technique with dose more intensified than that emitted from the sun. Conceptually, skin tanning is the process of shining UVA to the skin, which causes sustained damages to skin cells. Consequently, skin reacts by being darkened to prevent itself from further damage. This is why skin tanning is detrimental for your skin in the long run and you should take this fact into consideration before deciding to go with the flow.

Meanwhile, UVB can cause sunburn, cataracts, and initiate skin cancer.

Why is there skin cancer alert?

According to the American Cancer Society, every year in the U.S., more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are caused by UV light from the sun. The risk for getting cancer may come about from many factors. Overall, statistics and scientific evidence show that the following people would have higher risk of skin cancer:

• People with sensitive skin that gets burn easily,
• People with light skin, especially those having light colored eyes such as the Caucasians
• People staying outdoor frequently and for extended period of time
• People with skin defects such as freckles
• People from family with cancer tradition

How can I protect myself?

Get sunscreen. It provides just the protection you need. Use it frequently and repeatedly for immediate and long-term defense against the sun.

Limit exposure to the sun. If you could, try not to go out or do something outdoor from 10 am to 4 pm. It would be better if you can stay away from the sun for the most part of your day.

Cover yourself. Long sleeves, sunglasses, wide brimmed hat are needed when you have to face the sun.

What does that SPF mean?

SPF means Sun Protection Factor, which indicates the effectiveness of the sunscreen against UVB rays only. Currently, no rating exists against UVA. There exists a notion that the SPF number reflects the period of time a person using sunscreen can stay in the sun without getting sunburn as compared to the period of time a sunscreen-free person can. For example, applying SPF 30 would allow a person 30 times longer to get burn than without the sunscreen. No matter whether there is any truth in this definition, sunscreen is to be reapplied at least every two hours for extended outdoor activities, regardless of what SPF number you are using.

Higher SPF means better protection against UV rays. Theoretically, SPF 30 can absorb 97% of UVB rays while SPF 15 absorbs about 93%. In reality, however, the percent of absorption may vary depending on the specific locations on earth and the extent of exposure. SPF 30 is a common choice for usual sun block purpose at normal conditions and activities; SPF 40-50 may be used for extended exposure to the sun and winter activities, even though frequent reapplication is still needed.

How should I choose my sunscreen?

• Sunscreen that absorbs both UVA and UVB, known as “broad spectrum” sunscreen is the most common choice.
• If you are spending four hours and more outdoor, choose sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. Normally, SPF 30 is the best because it is effective, yet it is still moderate.
• Sunscreen is considered drug because of the active ingredients and thus is under the control of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Among the active ingredients recognized by FDA to be safe and effective are: Benzophenones, Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide (or oxybenzone), Cinnamates (octinoxate or cinoxate), Salicylates. These active ingredients divert the impact of USV rays by absorbing, reflecting or scattering them.
• Because water interferes with the effectiveness of sunscreen, some products are intensified with water-resistant ingredients to increase the overall impact of sunscreen. Consider your skin’s needs, if you are so easily prone to perspiration or frequently in contact with water, you may want to go with water-proof sunscreen. Again, do not assume that because your sunscreen is water-resistant, you can stay protected for forever. Reapplication is needed at least every two hours.
• Paraaminobenzoic Acid (PABA in short) used to be an active ingredient in sunscreen products. But its use has been phased off due to allergy and other side effect reactions. You should make sure that your sunscreen is free of PABA.

How should I use my sunscreen?

• Sunscreen is needed whenever you spend extended time being outdoor, even though on cloudy days or in winter month, especially from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Apply sunscreen generously to all sun-exposed skin areas to give yourself enough protection at least 30 minutes before going out. This allows your skin to absorb the active ingredients. Pay attention to the most-neglected regions such as ears, face, hands, neck, and feet.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you stay outside for an extended period of time, no matter what SPF number your sunscreen is or whether your sunscreen is water-resistant or not. In case there your skin becomes increasingly sweating, consider reapplying also.
• Even when using sunscreen, try not to stay out in the sun too long if you can. Find a shelter or seek shady place every now and then.
• If your skin is rubbed with a surface after the application of sunscreen, consider reapplying
• Do not forget to check the directions on your sunscreen tube and follow the instructions.
• Consult your doctor if you think your skin have special needs

What else should I need to know about sunscreen?

• Certain skin type more easily gets burned and thus needs extra protection. Caucasians with fair skin belong to this type and sunscreen is a must-have for their outdoor activities.
• The higher up you go, for instance on a mountain, the less protection you have by atmospheric gases against UV light. For every 1000 feet increment above the sea level, radiation from UV light increases by 4%. In addition, the closer you are to the equator, the more threat UV radiation is to you.
• The hotter and more humid, the less protection against UV light. Do not forget that sunscreen becomes less effective on your skin upon contact with water.

Dark Eye Circle & What can be done

Eye circles indicate the darkening of skin area under the eyes due to lack of sleep, allergies, sunlight exposure, and even heredity. Unless something is done, dark circles will affect skin look and increase the aging effects on women, especially those in their thirties and above. Fortunately, there are ways that can be used to improve your eye skin look.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

There are many reasons for the appearance of eye bags/circles. Depending on the specific facial structure, however, eye circles/bags may be more apparent on some persons than some others.

• Allergy: seasonal allergy such as fever might be the cause for your eye circles. Follow up to see if eye circles remain after fever is gone. If they do persist, you may want to consult your physician. Chances are you might have a hidden allergy with some kind of food or chemical in your residing area. Allergy with gluten (from wheat flour) is one such example. There is also the possibility of vitamin deficiency (vitamin B6, B12, K, and folic acid) that results in eye circles. Check back with your doctor to see if you need to take additional multivitamins.
• Nasal congestion: When you get nasal congestion, the veins that drain fluid from the eyes to the nose become dilated and darkened, which cause eye circles.
• Sunlight: The more exposed you are to sunlight, the greater stimulation your skin can get to produce melanin, which is skin pigmentation.
• Aging process: The aging process harnesses the production of collagen, which causes skin to be thinner and thus reveals the underlying veins.
• Heredity: Eye circles can develop as a hereditary feature.

POSITIVE LIFESTYLE

• Sleep adequately: Get yourself to sleep averagely 8 hours per night. Do not make party or staying up late your frequent habit. It is believed that inadequate sleep causes the pale look for skin, which shows off dark circles, and decreases blood circulation.
• Reduce alcohol and drugs: abusing alcohol and drugs undoubtedly does harm to your health. In addition, they could also negatively affect your sleep.
• Eat healthily: dark circles and eye bags are believed to be caused by deficiency in vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and anti-oxidants. It’s important that you maintain a balanced diet and eat lots of green vegetable to provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Drink lots of water to hydrate your body and enable good circulation as well.
• Refrain from salt intake: High concentration of salt intake can trigger the retaining of water in our body, which may cause eye bags, interfere with circulation, and turn your blood vessels into bluer.
• Relax and abstain from bad habit: if you are a smoker, consider quitting smoking. This will not only save you from troubles with your lungs but also prevent you from revealing blue blood vessels under your skin. Get enough rest, keep a relaxing mind means you care about your skin and health. Allow yourself time of relaxing will enable comfortable sleep, bon appetite, and positive mental state, which are the best decorations for your skin look.

SOME THERAPIES:

• Cucumber: prepare two thick slices of cucumber and put them on the eye skin area, make sure that they cover the eye circles or eye bags. With the cucumber slices on, close your eyes and lie down for up to fifteen minutes.
• Tea: Prepare two refrigerated tea bags and put them on the eye skin area, make sure that they cover the eye circles or eye bags. With the iced tea bags on, close your eyes and lie down for about up to fifteen minutes. Tea bags contain tannin, an astringent, which is believed to improve eye bags and circles.
• Potato: Prepare potato concentrate by making sliced potato and put it in a blender. Apply the potato concentrate onto your eye skin area. Close your eyes and lie down for thirty minutes. When you are done, use warm water to wash it off.

SKINCARE & COSMETICS:

• Cold spoon: Prepare two cold spoons by putting them in the freezer for up to fifteen minutes. Place the cold spoons on the eye circles and leave them still until they warm again
• Eye cream: Choose a suitable eye cream for yourself and commit to daily use for an extended period of time for visible effects. Typically, an eye cream contains vitamin K, the deficiency in which is believed to be one of the causes for eye circles, and retinol, one of the animal forms of vitamin A. However, only your skin can tell its best which one is the appropriate treatment for your eye skin condition.
• Under-eye concealer: This is only a situational solution that helps you get by with the weary skin look. Choose a concealer that matches your under tone before applying cosmetics powder.