WASHINGTON — Every summer people neglect to wear sunscreen and instead, opt for a tan, ignoring the permanent damage that UV radiation can wreak on their skin.
According to research chemist Kerry Hanson, there are two types of UV rays that harm the skin: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays cause skin aging. They penetrate deep into the dermis and damage collagen that makes skin elastic and smooth, resulting in wrinkles.
UVA rays also indirectly damage DNA. They generate free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which in turn cause DNA mutations.
UVB rays directly damage DNA and cause sunburn. Damaged cells trigger an inflammatory response, which is the source of a sunburn’s redness. Cells beyond repair die off, causing the sunburn to peel.
In cells that refuse to die, unrepaired DNA damage caused by UVA or UVB rays can accumulate and lead to skin cancer.
Sunscreen protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It contains UV filters, which form a protective barrier over the skin by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays.
To maximize its protective powers, experts recommend using sunscreen with the label “broad spectrum” for protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It should be reapplied every two hours and after exposure to water.
To further increase sunscreen’s ability to block UV rays, researchers are currently testing different antioxidants in sunscreen formulas to increase their ability to block UV rays.
According to research chemist Kerry Hanson, there are two types of UV rays that harm the skin: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays cause skin aging. They penetrate deep into the dermis and damage collagen that makes skin elastic and smooth, resulting in wrinkles.
UVA rays also indirectly damage DNA. They generate free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which in turn cause DNA mutations.
UVB rays directly damage DNA and cause sunburn. Damaged cells trigger an inflammatory response, which is the source of a sunburn’s redness. Cells beyond repair die off, causing the sunburn to peel.
In cells that refuse to die, unrepaired DNA damage caused by UVA or UVB rays can accumulate and lead to skin cancer.
Sunscreen protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It contains UV filters, which form a protective barrier over the skin by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays.
To maximize its protective powers, experts recommend using sunscreen with the label “broad spectrum” for protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It should be reapplied every two hours and after exposure to water.
To further increase sunscreen’s ability to block UV rays, researchers are currently testing different antioxidants in sunscreen formulas to increase their ability to block UV rays.
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