Looking Radiant - Sex~Kitten.net

UVA (ultraviolet-A) rays are long- wave solar rays of 320-400 nanometers (billionths of a meter). They penetrate deeply into the skin. They can trigger allergies & cause premature ageing such as leathering or the skin, wrinkling & other signs of "photoaging." (akc!). The latest studies show that UVA not only increases UVB 's cancer-causing effects, but may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas. (double ack!)

UVB (ultraviolet-B) rays are short-wave solar rays of 290-320 nanometers. They affect the upper layers of the skin. This triggers the production of melanin which causes tanning -- or too much causes burning, freckling and thickening of the skin. These rays are considered the main cause of basal & squamous cell carcinomas as well as a significant cause of melanoma. (huge ack!)

Yes, you should be protecting yourself from *both*

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (January 2003, pages 65–71) reaffirms the need for complete UVA- and UVB-protection. The study stated that ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths of 280–400 nanometers (UVA and UVB range of sunlight) inhibits the function of immune cells known to fight skin cancer.

"Sunscreens are widely advocated to protect against skin cancer but if they offer insufficient protection ... they may inadvertently increase skin cancer risk. This human study evaluated [the immune protection provided] by a commercial sunscreen preparation (labeled sun protection factor 15) offering primarily ultraviolet B (280-320 nm) protection."

This study points out an important fact when considering the purchase of sunscreen & sunblock products -- the study recommends formulas that offer equally full protection from both UVB and UVA rays.

In order to sufficiently protect against UVA rays, the sunscreen &/or sunblock must protect against rays that range in wavelength up to 400 nanometers. Many products protect against sunburn from the UVB rays, but don't protect the skin against depletion of immune protection caused by UVA rays.

With product, of course. But isn't it all so confusing? Sunblock, sunscreen, SPF, specturms-schmectrums...

Let's break it down a bit.

What's the difference between sunblocks & sunscreens?

In simplest terms, sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays, sunblocks physically deflect them.

Sunscreen has long blocked UVB effectively, but until recently provided less UVA protection. New ingredients such as octylcrylene and the benzophenones have improved sunscreen's defenses against shorter UVA rays, and the revolutionary chemical avobenzone (Parsol 1789) works against all UVA wavelengths.

Sunblocks have also markedly improved. New preparations such as micronized titanium dioxide are less conspicuous on the skin and offer substantial protection against both UVA and UVB.

How To Evaluate Products

The most common, and easiest way, to evaluate products for protecting your skin from the sun is SPF.

SPF (sun protection factor) measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection.

For example, ff it takes 20 minutes without protection for your skin to begin reddening, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer -- about 5 hours. (But remember, it may take up to 24 hours after sun exposure for redness to become visible.)

To maintain the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours as well as right after swimming, or exercising (and yes, this includes sex on the beach!).

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF's of at least 15, which block 93 percent of UVB. While SPF's higher than 30 block only 4 percent more UVB, they may be advisable for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients, and people at high risk of developing skin cancer. They also allow some margin for error if too little sunscreen is applied.

While SPF is the universal measurement of UVB protection, no comparable standard exists for UVA. Scientists worldwide are working to develop a standardized testing and certification method to measure UVA protection.

Protecting against both UVA & UVB Rays

If the above has you convinced you need protection from both UVA & UVB rays, consider a product with 'broad-spectrum protection.' The phrase indicates that a product shields against UVA as well as UVB. It does not guarantee protection against all UVA wavelengths, however.

Most broad-spectrum sunscreens and sunblocks with an SPF of 15 or higher do a good job against UVB and short UVA rays; if they also contain avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, they should be effective against the entire UVA spectrum.

Even with the ideal sunscreen, some UV rays can get through to your skin and cause damage. The Skin Cancer Foundation considers sunscreen one *part* of a comprehensive sun protection program.

A comprehensive sunprotection programs also includes: sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, spending more time in the shade, & avoidance of the sun from 10A.M. to 4 PM.

Maybe it's not what you've been taught to believe is a 'beautiful and healthy look', but you'll look healthier, be healthier for it!