UV Safety Awareness Month: What UV Radiation Does To Your Skin

by Donna McAteer
June 13, 2022

We all need sun exposure to produce vitamin D which is responsible for calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones. But unprotected exposure can damage your skin, eyes, immune system, and can cause cancer. Too much exposure to UVB rays can cause sunburn while UVA rays travel more deeply into the skin affecting skin and cell health. Overtime, exposure to these sun rays makes the skin less elastic and it may even become leathery, wrinkled, or thinned like tissue paper. The more unprotected sun exposure your skin experiences, the faster it will age. The good news is that the danger posed by UV radiation can be greatly reduced by you! Understanding the basics of UV radiation and how it damages your skin is an important first step in learning how to safeguard your skin. In recognition of July as UV Safety Awareness Month, this article will discuss UV radiation and how you can protect yourself.

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UV Radiation And Skin

What Is UV Radiation?
UV radiation is a natural energy produced by the sun. UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, therefore your eyes cannot see it, but your skin can feel it. The two types of UV rays that are proven to contribute to skin cancer and aging skin are:

Ultraviolet A (UVA): Has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging.
Ultraviolet B (UVB): Has shorter wavelengths and is associated with skin burning.

Unprotected exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer as well as premature aging.

What UV Radiation Does To Your Skin
On a cellular level, UV radiation can damage the DNA in the skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up overtime, it can cause cells to start growing out of control leading to skin cancer. Sun damage to the skin occurs when DNA damage to skin cells occurs at the dermis level of the skin. Signs of sun damage include:

Wrinkles
Fine lines
Hyperpigmentation
Dark Spots
Broken Capillaries
Uneven skin texture
Redness

There are many skin care products and services that can address sun damage concerns, however, it is better to take preventative measures now to protect your skin.

How You Can Protect Yourself From Harmful UV Radiation
The best way to protect yourself from the damaging effects of UV radiation is by limiting your time in the sun and applying sunscreen regularly throughout the day. Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen everyday will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Even if it is not sunny out or if it is in the middle of winter, it is still essential that you wear face sunscreen everyday. Sunscreen such as Elta MD UV Clear broad spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen can also provide multiple skin care benefits in just one product, including the benefit of sun protection. It is recommended to use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Wearing a hat in sunny climates will also protect your face from the sun, protecting your skin from potential harm. Also, don’t forget about your lips! Ensure you use a lip balm each day with SPF for extra protection.

Examine your skin on a regular basis. If you notice any changes such as increased sun spots, irregular moles, or any other growths, seek the advice of a healthcare provider right away. Skin cancer is more easily treated if caught in the earliest stages.

Have Skin Care Concerns Related To Sun Damage? Visit Okanagan Skin Care Centre.

As much as we all love to feel the warm summer sun on our faces, the cherished days spent blazing in the sun have taken a toll on your skin. Sun damage is a cumulative process that happens throughout your life. That is why it is essential that you begin taking care of your skin now before you put yourself at risk for skin cancer. You can protect yourself by applying sunscreen regularly everyday and by limiting your time spent in the sun, even during the winter.

To learn more about Okanagan Skin Care Centre treatments and more, book a consultation with one of our skin care specialists at Okanagan Skin Care Centre in Kelowna today by calling 1-250-868-9290 or by contacting us online. If you are looking for a sunscreen that can be used for sensitive skin types, Elta MD offers a collection of broad-spectrum face sunscreens that can also be pigmented to act as a tinted moisturizer. To learn more about Elta MD, visit our online shop.

FAQ

Q: What kind of treatments can address sun damage skin care concerns?
A: There are many types of treatments that can address sun damage skin concerns. Which one is right for you will depend on your specific skin care concern, your skin type, and recommendations made by your dermatologist. But some treatments include chemical peels, IPL laser treatments, Fraxel laser treatments, microblading, and more.

Q: How will I know if I have skin cancer?
A: One of the first signs of skin cancer will be irregular growths found on your skin. If you have a dark sun spot that appears like a freckle or a mole and continues to grow in size and has an irregular shape, visit your healthcare provider right away.

Q: What SPF of sunscreen should I get?
A: It is recommended that you get a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen for your face and body.

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Donna McAteer

Donna is the general manager and has been with the Okanagan Skin Care Centre for over 14 years. She is a certified Esthetician and previous business owner with over 20 years enjoying the skin care industry. Her passion for knowledge, integral client care and maintaining a synergistic team that represents professional excellence in skin care remains her focus.