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Yet more interesting info from Clinique (you have to be a member of their site to access this info, so I'm posting it here for everyone)...
Ironically, what's often called a "healthy glow" can actually be a sign of serious skin damage.
Why is skin DNA damage so serious?
Once DNA, a cell's "brain," is damaged, the skin cell loses its ability to function properly. Damaged cells replicate abnormally, harming other cells. Long-term, this irreversible UV damage accelerates skin aging and increases your risk of skin cancer.
Does a high SPF prevent DNA damage?
Not necessarily. Different kinds of UV rays—UVA and UVB—affect skin differently. Both can cause damage ranging from premature aging to skin cancers. SPF ratings only measure a sunscreen's effectiveness in blocking UVB rays. UVA rays were thought to be harmless because they didn't burn the skin. Now, scientists know that UVA rays can be even more dangerous than UVB because they penetrate about twice as deep.
How can I protect against UVA rays?
Look for sunscreens that offer "broad-spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection." Be sure they contain UVA-blockers such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Explore UV-protective products recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation including window film, sunglasses, clothing and laundry additives.
Should I go to a tanning salon instead?
Absolutely not. Most tanning beds or lamps use UVA rays—two to three times as much as in sunlight—because they are less likely to cause a burn. Now, scientists recognize that UVA rays are worse than a sunburn.
Any way to get a safe tan?
Clinically speaking, no. The only "safe" tan is a non-sun tan. Fortunately, fast and easy self-tanning formulas are readily available. Caution: In the sun, always wear sunscreen with your self-tan.
How serious can the damage be?
When the sun's UV (ultraviolet) rays penetrate skin, they attack DNA, the genetic material inside each cell that controls everything the cell does. Damage to DNA sets in motion a range of effects from premature aging to skin cancer.
Will a tan protect skin from further damage?
The idea that a tan offers adequate UV protection is a dangerous myth. A tan provides only minimal protection—the equivalent of SPF 2 or 3. Dermatologists advise daily application of SPF 15 and up.
What if I burn but don't tan?
It's a different, but equally serious, kind of UV damage. For most skins, burning is a much faster process than tanning. The fairest skins start to turn red after less than 10 minutes of exposure. DNA damage, though invisible, starts almost immediately upon exposure to the sun. Visible damage—a tan or a burn—doesn't show up until it's too late.
Can sun damage be repaired?
Up to a point. By day, a high-level, UVA/UVB sunscreen helps skin fend off environmental stressors so it can focus on repair. Sunscreen products that also contain antioxidants to neutralize free radicals can help, too. Cosmetic science has developed technologies to address visible signs of sun damage including discolouration, wrinkling and dehydration.
What's my best option?
Avoid sun exposure whenever possible. In the sun, always wear a UVA/UVB sunscreen. Most dermatologists recommend consistent, long-term use of sunscreens for all shades of skin, all year long, as the surest way to prevent signs of premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Ironically, what's often called a "healthy glow" can actually be a sign of serious skin damage.
Why is skin DNA damage so serious?
Once DNA, a cell's "brain," is damaged, the skin cell loses its ability to function properly. Damaged cells replicate abnormally, harming other cells. Long-term, this irreversible UV damage accelerates skin aging and increases your risk of skin cancer.
Does a high SPF prevent DNA damage?
Not necessarily. Different kinds of UV rays—UVA and UVB—affect skin differently. Both can cause damage ranging from premature aging to skin cancers. SPF ratings only measure a sunscreen's effectiveness in blocking UVB rays. UVA rays were thought to be harmless because they didn't burn the skin. Now, scientists know that UVA rays can be even more dangerous than UVB because they penetrate about twice as deep.
How can I protect against UVA rays?
Look for sunscreens that offer "broad-spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection." Be sure they contain UVA-blockers such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Explore UV-protective products recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation including window film, sunglasses, clothing and laundry additives.
Should I go to a tanning salon instead?
Absolutely not. Most tanning beds or lamps use UVA rays—two to three times as much as in sunlight—because they are less likely to cause a burn. Now, scientists recognize that UVA rays are worse than a sunburn.
Any way to get a safe tan?
Clinically speaking, no. The only "safe" tan is a non-sun tan. Fortunately, fast and easy self-tanning formulas are readily available. Caution: In the sun, always wear sunscreen with your self-tan.
How serious can the damage be?
When the sun's UV (ultraviolet) rays penetrate skin, they attack DNA, the genetic material inside each cell that controls everything the cell does. Damage to DNA sets in motion a range of effects from premature aging to skin cancer.
Will a tan protect skin from further damage?
The idea that a tan offers adequate UV protection is a dangerous myth. A tan provides only minimal protection—the equivalent of SPF 2 or 3. Dermatologists advise daily application of SPF 15 and up.
What if I burn but don't tan?
It's a different, but equally serious, kind of UV damage. For most skins, burning is a much faster process than tanning. The fairest skins start to turn red after less than 10 minutes of exposure. DNA damage, though invisible, starts almost immediately upon exposure to the sun. Visible damage—a tan or a burn—doesn't show up until it's too late.
Can sun damage be repaired?
Up to a point. By day, a high-level, UVA/UVB sunscreen helps skin fend off environmental stressors so it can focus on repair. Sunscreen products that also contain antioxidants to neutralize free radicals can help, too. Cosmetic science has developed technologies to address visible signs of sun damage including discolouration, wrinkling and dehydration.
What's my best option?
Avoid sun exposure whenever possible. In the sun, always wear a UVA/UVB sunscreen. Most dermatologists recommend consistent, long-term use of sunscreens for all shades of skin, all year long, as the surest way to prevent signs of premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
/emoticons/
