Photoaging is a type of skin aging caused by a lifetime of sun exposure— and that’s not just the few days you spend at the beach every summer. Walking your dog, driving to work, and sitting in front of a sunny window are all examples of the type of sun exposure that you might not think of protecting yourself against. But over the years they can add up to wrinkling, pigmentation, and other signs of skin aging, as well as skin cancer.
It is important to understand that sun exposure, or ultraviolet radiation, consists of three types of wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC.
UVA rays maintain their intensity throughout the year. They penetrate more deeply into the skin’s layers than UVB rays, causing damage deeper within the skin’s dermis. Since they do not cause sunburn, people who visit tanning salons that use only UVA do not get the physical warning that they are harming their skin, and increasing their chances of skin cancer. It is important to know that while UVA rays do not burn the outside of the skin, they are the primary contributors to Squamous Cell Carcinomas, other skin cancers, as well premature skin aging, such as wrinkling and age spots.
UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply into the skin as UVA rays do, and consequently cause more damage to the outer epidermis. They are more intense during the summer, as well as at higher altitudes and areas closer to the Equator. These are the rays that give you Basal Cell Carcinomas, as well as other skin cancers.
UVC rays are the strongest rays of all and the most dangerous, but they are normally filtered out by the Ozone Layer and do not reach Earth.
| Percent of Light in Spectrum | 7% | 93% |
| Damage the rays can cause | Sunburn, Non-malignant skin tumors, Skin Cancer | Photoaging (premature wrinkling), Skin Cancer |
| Light Intensity | Changes hourly–most intense between the hours of 10AM and 4PM, as well as at higher altitudes, and during the summer. | Consistent throughout the day, different seasons, and varying altitudes |
Remember to choose a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, with a minimum SPF 15. Apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, and re-apply it every 2 to 3 hours, regardless whether it is SPF 15 or SPF 50. Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin looking younger, longer.
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This is awesome! Thanks doc!
Wow! Thanks so much for the info!