SCIENCE OF SKIN CARE: PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN
Artistry® Skin Care backs every product we make with scientific research.
Our advisors include world-renowned experts in dermatology, surgery, and more.
When it comes to skin damage from sun, there is much we’ve learned. Here’s what some of the latest research tells us, about just how the sun can harm your skin — and what you can do to prevent it.
Sun Exposure Can Damage Your Skin’s DNA and
Disrupt Natural Cell Repair
We are all familiar with the benefits of wearing a sunscreen to shield our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But new scientific discoveries show that the problem is both deeper and more dangerous than previously believed.
You may see glowing skin after sun exposure as a sign of health and beauty. But the fact is that DNA damage is happening deep within the skin.
That change in your skin’s color after a little time in the sun is visible to everyone —
but the DNA damage is invisible yet dangerous. That’s because damage to DNA is a direct cause of skin cancers and premature aging.
DNA Determines How Your Skin Cells Function
The skin is comprised of three main layers:
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Hypodermis
Together, these three layers help protect, retain moisture, and provide support. More importantly, these layers know their roles because of the DNA deep inside each skin cell.
That’s because DNA is the genetic material inside each cell that works like a computer program to control the cell’s function. When DNA is damaged, the skin cells lose their ability to perform their essential roles.
Plus, damaged cells replicate abnormally and over the years, the damage accumulates. The results? Faster skin aging, and increased risk of skin cancer.
Sun Exposure is a Key Factor in DNA Damage
DNA damage largely occurs as a result of free radical attack. Free radicals are generated in many ways,
but are often the result of invisible, ultraviolet rays from the sun.
The ultraviolet rays that most affect the skin are:
UVB
These rays penetrate the top layer of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn, as well as some skin cancers. SPF ratings on sunscreens measure the ability to block these rays.
UVA
These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are more likely to cause longer-term effects such as wrinkling, discoloration, a leathery skin appearance,
and possibly melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer). SPF ratings are not a measure of ability to block UVA rays, which can be even more damaging to your DNA and other skin structures.
The Good News
Scientific advancements continue to enable scientists to find more and more ways to support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. For instance:
- Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is a must as it can protect the skin from the stresses caused by both UVA and UVB penetration, allowing the skin to focus on its normal job of cell repair and regeneration.
- Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and prevent DNA damage.
- New technological advancements can actually help boost the cell’s natural repair process to reverse DNA damage.
Tips: Protecting Your Skin from DNA Damage
To protect your skin, follow a consistent, life-long approach. Even minimal UV exposure can affect your skin’s DNA.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen will help minimize the sun’s effect on the appearance of premature aging.
- Look for sunscreens that offer “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB” protection or a “PA” rating.
- The safest option is to avoid sun exposure whenever possible.
- Minimize exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- When you go outside, even on a cloudy day, always apply a broad-
- spectrum sun protection product of SPF 15 or higher.
- Reapply when you’ve been outside for extended periods of time, and again after lost of physical activity (e.g. swimming, tennis, etc.). Most people do not apply sufficient sun protection product. Be sure to follow instructions on the package.
- Use self-tanning formulas or bronzers if you desire the look of a tan. But remember that these products do not usually offer any sun protection, so you should always apply protection as well.
- Stay away from tanning salons.
- The international agency for research on cancer (IARC),
- a branch of the world health organization (WHO),
- has unequivocally linked sunbed tanning among young people to melanoma,
- the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- Wear protective clothing that will cover arms and legs; choose a hat with a wide brim. Consider UV-protective products such as some window films, sunglasses, and clothing.
Learn More About Healthful Skin Care
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