Premier Laser & Aesthetics Clinic In Manchester

UVA And UVB Protection

Laser Chic

11th November 2016

Learn About Your First Line of Defence: SUNSCREEN!

I always get asked about sun exposure and UVA and UVB sunscreens. There is a lot of confusion out there as to what is ‘safe’ sun exposure and what isn’t. And more importantly what kind of sunscreen should be applied. It is widely believed that only ‘burning’ equates to ‘dangerous’ sun exposure. Whilst this is true to a large degree, dermatologists have also now confirmed that UVA, long thought to be the ‘safe’ ray is extremely harmful. A couple of years ago whilst attending a laser conference, the dermatologist speaking, called it (UVA), the ‘silent killer’.

So what is UV?

UV stands for UltraViolet radiation. It is radiation that forms part of the light spectrum given out by the sun. These wavelengths are classed as UVA and UVB and UVC. UVC having the shortest wavelength is therefore the most damaging, but little is ever mentioned about this ray as it is absorbed almost entirely by the ozone layer. UVA and UVB therefore are of most concern to us.
Many of my clients seem to only be concerned about UVB, the ray which causes burning. However, as I am always very keen to point out, UVA is the ray which causes premature ageing. After laser hair removal, the most popular laser treatment at our laser clinic. Prevention is always better than cure, and knowing what you’re up against when it comes to UV exposure, makes far better informed choice when it comes to sunscreen.

Whats UVA?

This long wave is absorbed more deeply into the skin than UVB and is now known to be responsible for causing premature ageing of the skin in the form of lines and wrinkles. Think of this ray as literally eating your collagen. Whilst in the early 80’s it was thought that this was the ‘safe’ UV ray, studies over the last 20 years have shown that in fact UVA plays a far greater role in the formation of skin cancer than previously thought. UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes which are found in the basal layer of the epidermis. This can lead to ‘basal cell carcinomas’. UVA is the main tanning ray, which is why artificial tanning booths emit only UVA. However consistent tanning (and therefore damage to the skin) over a prolonged period of time has been shown to lead to skin cancer.

Whats UVB?

UVB is the ‘burning’ ray. It hits the skin very superficially and causes reddening of the skin and sunburn. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer which is why most people think of only UVB as causing potential health problems. It also plays a role in skin tanning and premature skin ageing. In the UK this ray is at its strongest during the summer months, between 11am and 3pm. However, at high altitude UVB rays can damage all year round, especially during the ski season when UVB rays are reflected and intensified by the snow.

Protect Your Skin

Using a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen will protect your skin from UV damage and will help keep thread veins, acne and pigmentation under control. Whilst other factors like genes play a major part in all skin conditions, exposure to UV undoubtedly exacerbates if not causes many skin complaints.
Always wear at least an SPF15, which if applied properly will protect from 93% of the sun’s rays. Ideally a factor 30 should be applied to the face which has some of the thinnest skin on our bodies.

ECTOIN

At Laser Chic we recommend using the SUN series from Janssen Cosmetics which enables pleasure bronzing whilst enjoying twofold sun protection:
1. Innovative photo stable light protection filters offer highly-effective protection against UVB and UVA radiation.
2. The unique biological active substance ECTOIN increases the cell’s native defence against UV radiation and loss of moisture.

ECTOIN is a natural substance which is found in the deserts and salt lakes of Egypt, and is produced by micro-organisms. It penetrates into the skin easily due to its low molecular weight and protects it against stress factors such as heat, cold and UV light by supporting the cell’s own repair and protection mechanisms. This increased protection against UV radiation also reliably contributes towards the avoidance of premature photo ageing (light-related skin ageing). Furthermore, ECTOIN regulates the cell’s natural moisture content and prevents them from drying out. Incidentally, ECTOIN also keeps the skin’s immune system in working order.