SUN PROTECTION

Our sun, which is actually a billion-year-old star, is vital to sustain life on earth but has ravaging effects on our skins. Radiation from the sun is part of the electromagnetic spectrum [light] that reaches the planet.

During the 1950’s and 60’s, due to ignorance, people would bake in the sun for hours to attain a much-desired dark tan, fashionable in those times. As a result, years down the line the consequences are frightening as various forms of skin cancers have resulted.

Having said that, small doses of ultra violet can be beneficial in the formation of Vitamin B & D3 in the body to treat complaints like Psoriasis and eczema, a healthy immune system and overall good health.

In the long term, the UV radiation induces degeneration in the skin cells, fibrous tissue and blood capillaries resulting in skin cancer and eye damage in the form of cataracts. Solar radiation is proven to be a carcinogen as exposure leads to genetic mutations.

Premature aging characterized by leathery skin and deep furrows is an unpleasant result of sun damage. Early detection of lesions is vital as these can be surgically removed.

Despite this, over 250 000 people per annum suffer from serious melanomas. Any lesion that changes in size colour or spreads should be medically examined.

Fundamentally, damage is caused by UVA and UVB rays; the former being the long rays that reach the basal levels of the epidermis. These are responsible for skin darkening and injury to the cell’s DNA, resulting in skin cancer. The latter, the UVB rays are shorter and reach the upper levels of the epidermis and cause reddening and sunburn.

In conclusion, there is no excuse for ignorance with all the knowledge and the extensive array of products available from the lower SPF factor 25 right up to 50 and higher.

With the holiday season upon us, have “fun in the sun” & take the leap ` try ACTIVSKIN’s range of products – ensuring you maximum protection.