Sunscreen Day

It’s Sunscreen Day and a great opportunity to learn more about the sun’€™s harmful rays and the importance of protecting yourself from them and the damage they cause.

The sunlight that reaches us is made up of two types of harmful rays: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB).  Both play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts) and skin cancer. They also suppress the immune system, reducing your ability to fight off ailment.

UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin aging and suppression of the immune system. And when your skin’s defenses are down, you’re at risk for skin cancer.

UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin. Sunburned skin doesn’t just feel awful, it can cause permanent damage over time.

In a nutshell, UVA rays can age us and UVB rays can burn us. Overexposure to either can damage the skin. In the United States alone, over two million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year!  That’s why the proper use of sunscreen all day, every day is so important.  Read more about the mistakes you may be making with sunscreen.