| There are two components of UV light that are damaging to the skin, UVA and UVB. The UVA is responsible for skin cancer and photo aging while the UVB causes the burning of the skin. Remarkably, most over the counter sun blocking agents just block UVB. The entire SPF ranking system focuses on the blocking of only UVB rays. SPF 15 blocks 93%, SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 40 blocks 98% of UV B.
UVA is present year round, equally in the winter and summer. It is not blocked by the ozone. While the snow reflects both forms of ultraviolet radiation back at you (while skiing for instance), water does not. While swimming you are exposed to most of the radiation under water. UVB is weaker in the winter and at higher altitudes. 70% of UVA and 80% of UVB are present between the hours of 10am and 2pm.
Contrary to popular belief, sun damage accumulates over the course of one’s lifetime. It is never too late to begin to take protective measures. Photo damage has a genetic component. Smoking actually causes more damage to the collagen and elastin fiber than UV light so it causes more facial wrinkling.
Sun goes right through the car glass, even in the most expensive cars. Professional drivers and airplane pilots have one of the highest rates of skin cancer, including melanoma.
The best sunscreen ingredient available in the United States today contains micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (Z-Cote). These products are available in our office. Sunscreen must be applied daily, as one day in the sun advances the sun damage if you forget to apply it.
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Topical vitamin C along with topical vitamin E affords significant protection against ultraviolet radiation. They reach a maximum protective effect at day 3. They continue to protect for up to 4 to 5 days after the last application. The combination of C along with E affords 4 times the protection than vitamin C alone. Eating the vitamins in foods does not protect the skin. We offer very effective forms of these topical products.
What else can be done? Skin rejuvenation using the IPL (intense pulse light) equipment can reverse photo damage. When the new product levulan (Kerastick) is applied first for one hour before treatment, not only do the brown and red pigment fade more efficiently, but the actinic keratosis (precancerous lesions) flake away as well. This is considered a preventative treatment for skin cancer. Afterwards it is necessary to take preventative steps, such as limiting sun exposure, wearing effective sunscreens, and applying topical C with E.
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