What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of radiation that comes from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. There are many types of radiation, ranging from very high-energy – like x-rays, to very low-energy – like radio waves. UV rays are in the middle of this spectrum. 

What are the different types of UV rays?

UV rays are divided into 3 main groups:

• UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer and can penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging and DNA damage to skin cells. UVA rays are associated with long-term skin damage like wrinkles and skin cancer. 
• UVB rays are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, but can still reach the Earth. They can also damage the DNA in skin cells, causing sunburns and common skin cancers.
• UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere, and fortunately won’t reach the ground, so they are not a risk factor for skin cancer. 

Are UV rays dangerous?

Excessive exposure to UV rays can increase the speed of aging (photoaging) resulting in wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity and collagen, etc. It’s estimated that 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. 

One of the most harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin is inflammation. UV rays greatly affect the skin, causing sunburns, and precancerous and cancerous lesions. UV rays also generate free radicals, alternating the structure and function of our lipid, protein, and DNA. 

Who’s more at risk of skin cancer? 

Individuals with fair skin have a greater risk of skin cancer due to their low levels of UV-blocking pigment. When we get exposed to UV rays, the melanocytes produce more melanin in order to protect the skin against sun damage. The lighter the skin, the easier it gets for UV rays to penetrate the skin layers, and damage our collagen and elastin fibers. 

How do I protect myself from UV rays?

Most UV-induced skin disorders, including skin cancer, can be reduced by minimizing UV exposure. To learn how you can protect your skin, take a look at our blog 7 Tips To Prevent Skin Cancer. 

When it comes to treating sun damage at home, there are no quick fixes, especially if you’re already experiencing some signs of photo-aging. Remember, these signs did not happen overnight. The key to a youthful glow is to prevent and protect. To do so, you’ll want to incorporate products designed to prevent sun damage. 

Adding our Collagen Booster serum to your skincare routine can limit the damage caused by sun exposure, and help regenerate elastin and collagen. This professional-grade vitamin C serum is infused with plant-derived antioxidants like camu camu and resveratrol, and cutting-edge ingredients like gluconolactone and fructooligosaccharides, to help improve photo-aged skin and strengthen the skin barrier function. 

Can I exfoliate in the summer?

You can now exfoliate safely all year round with a gentle exfoliant like The Enzyme Peel. It’s filled with organic mango puree to hydrate the skin and reduce oxidative stress. The powerhouse ingredient behind this peel is astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that can protect fibroblasts from free radical damage. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for producing collagen (preventing sagging) and hyaluronic acid (supporting hydration). 

If you’re familiar with our products, perhaps you have noticed that your skin may turn red after using The Enzyme Peel. This is not a burn nor a sign of irritation. Don’t panic, it’s completely normal! Astaxanthin is 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C and 500 times stronger than green tea, which really stimulates the skin. The redness will go down within a few minutes. 

How do I treat sunburns? 

If you got too much sun exposure that resulted in a sunburn, apply topical anti-inflammatories like The Moon Shine to soothe your skin. This best-selling calming oil is appropriate for sensitive skin that needs cooling hydration. A blend of natural and organic oils, like pomegranate, rosehip, and neroli, work together to protect the skin against inflammation and free radicals.