What are UV Rays

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. The beneficial effects of UV radiation include the production of a vital nutrient, vitamin D; however, overexposure may present risks.

Sun damage is referred to, by dermatologists, as photo damage or as solar damage. This happens when the UV light hits the skin, unprotected by sunscreen, causing DNA damage or change at a cellular level. Due to the fact that photo damage happens at the deepest layer of the skin, the dermis, it may take years before the damage can be noticed at the surface.

The Different Kinds of UV-Rays

UVC-rays are mostly blocked by the atmosphere. They do not necessarily cause any damage to the skin. Penetrate 200-280nm into the skin.

UVB-rays are the most dangerous to our skin. These rays can cause a burn or injury to the skin. They cause direct DNA damage in the skin. Penetrates 280-320nm into the skin. May cause photo damage if the skin is not protected by sunscreens or may lead to cancerous lesions on the skin.

UVA-rays are not as abundant, but still pose a threat to skin health. May cause indirect DNA damage in the skin are damage extra cellular structures. This may also lead to oxidative stress seen on the skin. Penetrates 320-400nm into the skin.

This form of solar radiation damages the skin at all levels – from the epidermis down to the dermis. Within those layers, multiple parts of the skin are affected, including collagen and elastin fibers, which give the skin its supple bounce, as well as epidermal cells and capillary network.

Identifying Sun Damage on the Skin

DNA Damage

• Dilated pores
• Thin, fragile skin
• Elastosis
• Lines, wrinkles, expression lines
• Cancerous lesions

Immune Suppression

• Pre-cancerous lesions
• Skin diseases related to sun exposure
• Sluggish cellular turnover

Inflammation

• Inflamed, red skin
• Incomplete healing
• Age spots
• Rough texture
• Hyperpigmentation

Why Sunscreen is so Important

In regard to the Lamelle Sunscreens available at Chamé Skincare we will be taking a closer look at Helase and Urban Defence 30.

Both sunscreens protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

With anti-inflammatory properties they directly counteract the inflammatory effect of your skin when exposed to the sun. They also have the ability to reverse direct and indirect DNA damage.

Helase 50 transcends SPF by providing better protection against the entire spectrum of sunlight. It also actively reverses sun and DNA damage. Helase 50 offers the most advanced and complete photo-protection and repair.

Helase Urban Defence offers protection against particular matter in one lightweight formula. Offers broad spectrum photo protection that significantly reduces the impact of pollutants and repairs DNA damage.

Preventing Photo Damage

It is never too late to start protecting your skin from further possible UV damage. By starting today with an effective and quality SPF product you may just save yourself from further risk of skin cancers, pre-mature ageing or photo damage.

Look for a sun protecting factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Waterproof is preferred, but not compulsory. Re-apply every two hours or sooner if swimming or exercising outdoors. 

How to Treat My Photo Damage

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL is a non-ablative (meaning that it does not create injury) procedure that can eliminate age spots, sun damage and redness in the skin. It can treat the face, neck, chest and back of the hands.

• Chemical Peels

The process also creates an injury to the top layers of your skin, which stimulates the growth of new cells along with collagen. So, in addition to removing your sun-damaged skin, our chemical peels also rejuvenate your skin to give you a healthier, younger look.

Put yourself first this summer and protect your skin from the harsh effects of the sun. It is not too late to start using the sunscreen that works for you. Visit our salon and let us advise you on further treatment and find the SPF for you!

With love,