Prevent Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
By: Holistic Kiwi
Tags: Pigmentation, Summer, Skin Cancer, Skincare, Beauty

Learn the important differences between UV Rays and Sun Protection methods this summer.

Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash

Sun damage isn’t immediately visible, it roughly takes 10 years to come to the surface. That’s why it’s important to begin good habits when you are young to prevent long term damage.

Our skin is repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that influences the function and survival of many different cell types, and is regarded as the main factor in skin cancer.

To help us figure out what our skin tone is and how UV Rays affect us, the Fitzpatrick scale has been used for many years as a reference point.

*Please note, while it states skin type 6 never burns, I have met many Type 6 skins that have burned in NZ and Australia, where Ozone levels are low to non-existent.

The 3 types of Ultraviolet Rays.

UVB rays — B is for Burn.

UVB has superficial impact on the skin causing sunburn in the upper levels of the skin. It is also a leading cause of skin cancers.

The Ozone layer helps to protect us from UVB, the weaker the Ozone, the more sun protection you need to prevent burning and developing skin cancer.

In countries with weak Ozone levels, UVB also has a high risk of causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Burns that blister all over your body are excruciating, and dangerous. Sun stroke kicks in, and you become very, very ill.

UVA rays — A for Aging.

UVA rays cause damage in the dermis (under the superficial skin layers). It increases signs of Aging by damaging Collagen and Elastin production.

The Dermis is where cells that stimulate pigmentation (tanning) are found. UVA rays are considered the dominant tanning rays, and are what caused your old sun loving relative to have orange/brown leathery skin with deep wrinkles.

These rays are around us every day and can even pass through glass.

UVC rays

These the most damaging type of UVR. However, studies have shown UVC is filtered/neutralised by the atmosphere by the time they reach the earth’s surface. There is still a lot of research being done to understand more about UVC.

Photo by Diane Walton on Unsplash

The Main Types of Sun Protection;

Sunblock

This is a physical UVR blocking product that sits on top of the skin. The main ingredient is usually zinc, which reflects UVR from the sun upon contact with the skin.

It’s waxy and white (or fluorescent coloured), and is popular amongst the outdoor sporting communities, and those with an allergy to the sun.

Sunscreen

This type of sun protection uses chemical compounds (these may also be organic/natural) to change UVR into heat, then the heat is released from the skin. As a result, the converted UVR doesn’t cause damage to the skin.

They tend to be lighter in texture than traditional blocks, and natural sunscreens are more suitable for skin that breaks out easily.

Clothing and Wide Brim Hats

Okay, by Northern European standards this might seem like overkill, but growing up in NZ and Australia where there was no Ozone, there is a well known saying drummed into us from childhood- ‘Slip into a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat!’

When in countries with higher UV ratings, you need to protect your skin anyway possible, because what you think is enough, isn’t. Hence clothing that has sun protection ratings!

The ‘She’ll be Right’ Attitude

Unfortunately most of us “Down-Under” have been caught out not reapplying our sun protection at some point in our lives, and have experienced sun burn so bad, it blisters.

Usually once a year, when it’s cloudy and we think ‘She’ll be right’ (I will get away with it).

Wrong! UVR is just as dangerous through clouds…. Ask this photo of my 21st birthday.

Just 5 hours after I got burned, it blistered and peeled for a month!

The difference between SPF factors

Always look for Broad spectrum sun protection, such as Snowberry’s natural sunscreen.

Broad spectrum means that it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Some foundations and moisturisers may contain ‘SPF’15, 20 or 30, but they don’t provide protection against UVA.

SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays,

SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays

If you have a very light skin, we always recommend our clients use a NZ or Aussie made sun protection, as these are at the highest standards of protection. Also check that it has an international rating (like boots or the cancer foundation) as protection standards differ per country.

Some sun protection is waterproof and some are only water resistant, so it’s important to read and follow the directions.

Avoid being in direct sun when the UVR level is at its peak — usually between the hours of 11am and 4pm (varying between countries and seasons).

Please check over your skin very carefully, if you notice anything that looks different or has changed in shape or colour, go to your doctor or skin specialist to have it checked out.

If you have further questions or concerns about skin cancer, I have linked NZ’s cancer society website below.

Please Protect Your Skin This Summer!