Here's a warning to sunbathers everywhere. Scientists have found that the skin damage caused by UV rays does not stop once you get out of the sun.Researchers said on Thursday much of the potentially cancer-causing damage wrought by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds occurs up to three to four hours after exposure thanks to chemical changes involving the pigment melanin.
163. Verily, We have inspired
you (O Muhammad ) as We inspired Nuh (Noah) and
the Prophets after him; We (also) inspired Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma'il
(Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya'qub (Jacob), and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya'qub
(Jacob)], 'Iesa (Jesus), Ayub (Job), Yunus (Jonah), Harun (Aaron), and Sulaiman
(Solomon), and to Dawud (David) We gave the Zabur (Psalms).
164. And Messengers We have
mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you, - and to
Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly.
165. Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that
mankind should have no plea against Allah after the Messengers. And Allah
is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise. 4. Surah
An-Nisa' (The Women)
But there is some good news. The researchers said it may be possible to develop sunscreen that protects against this type of damage. Melanoma, closely linked to UV exposure, accounts for most skin cancer deaths.
The role of melanin, responsible for our skin, eye and hair color, in promoting DNA damage was a surprise because melanin was previously known to play a protective role by absorbing much of the UV energy before it penetrates the skin.
"But the unusual chemical properties of melanin that make it a good UV absorber also make it susceptible to other chemical reactions that just happen to have the same end result as the UV," said Douglas Brash, a therapeutic radiology and dermatology professor at the Yale School of Medicine whose study appears in the journal Science.
The researchers revealed this aspect of melanin in experiments involving human cells in a lab dish as well as lab mice and mouse cells in a dish.
UV exposure can cause DNA damage that may spur carcinogenic mutations in melanin-producing cells called melanocytes.
The researchers exposed mouse and human melanocytes to radiation from a UV lamp. The cells experienced DNA damage immediately but the damage also continued for hours. In fact, half of the damage occurred in the hours after exposure.
After a type of chemical reaction called chemiexcitation, also witnessed in bioluminescent creatures including fire flies, energy gets transferred to DNA to potentially cause mutations.
"People should be aware of the chemistry initiated in the skin after the UV exposure so that they can take proper care of themselves whenever going out in the sun or to the beach," said Yale School of Medicine researcher Sanjay Premi.
"We'd like to find new ingredients for sunscreens that will block these reactions," Brash added. "But in the meantime, I tell people to enjoy the sun but just don't lie on the beach between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a hat. Sunscreens are useful, too, so long as they block both UVB and UVA," two kinds of ultraviolet rays.
Summers spent poolside and sunny vacations during winter can do more than provide relaxation. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays leaves behind lasting damage on the skin - including wrinkles, leathery or sagging skin and brown spots. In fact, more than 90 percent of these visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.
Though sun damage is cumulative, there are ways to repair, and even reverse the damage.
"Contrary to popular belief, the harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation can be almost immediate," said Skin Cancer Foundation Senior Vice President Deborah S. Sarnoff, M.D. "That's why practicing proper sun protection is so critical. You'll help prevent future damage and you may even reverse some of the damage that has already been done."
In addition to premature skin aging, the sun's UV rays play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. In fact, about 86 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to its UV rays. Adopting a complete sun protection regimen is easy, and it's vital to enjoying the sun safely. This includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing (including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses) and wearing sunscreen daily.
To help stop or reverse sun damage, Sarnoff and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend the following:
•Apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher for daily use; SPF 30 or higher for extended outdoor activities) is one of the keys to keeping skin looking fresh and youthful. In fact, research shows people who use sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher daily show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily. By reducing daily sun exposure, sunscreen allows the skin time to heal and the immune system the chance to repair some of the existing damage.
•Exfoliate: The buildup of dead cells on the outermost skin layer can make skin appear rough, blotchy and uneven. Loofahs, scrubs, alpha hydroxy acid cleansers and home microdermabrasion kits (in which tiny crystals are sprayed on the skin) can remove dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smoother.
•Bleach the brown spots - These spots, officially known as solar lentigos, occur as a result of sun damage accumulated over time. Treat them with an over-the-counter product that contains bleaching ingredients such as kojic acid, bilberry, Vitamin C or mulberry leaf extract. Visit a dermatologist for a prescription-strength cream. A product containing a combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a mild steroid is useful for stubborn brown spots and blotchy brown discoloration.
•Hydrate - Exposure to sun, chlorine and salt water can dry out the skin - including the heels of the feet. Try a hand and body cream, and, for the heels, a moisturizing foot cream. A moisturizer with AHA or facial serum with hyaluronic acid can plump up dry skin around the eyes, making the skin instantly appear less wrinkled. Continued use may help stimulate the production of new collagen, a protein that helps give skin its texture and firmness.
•Try a light-emitting diode - Light-emitting diodes are electronic light sources, and some home units are available. A lower energy LED can help promote collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use.
Skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation continues long after you get out of the sun, even in the dark, a new study says.
Researchers explain that UV light from the sun or tanning beds can damage DNA in melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells in the skin that make the substance called melanin. Melanin gives skin its color. Damage to melanocytes is a major cause of skin cancer, according to the researchers.
It was thought that melanin protected the skin by blocking UV light, but this study found that melanin has both protective and harmful effects.
Researchers exposed mouse and human melanocytes to UV radiation. In melanocytes with melanin, DNA damage occurred not only immediately, but also hours after UV exposure ended. In melanocytes that didn't have melanin, the damage occurred only during UV exposure.
"If you look inside adult skin, melanin does protect against [DNA damage]. It does act as a shield. But it is doing both good and bad things," said study author Douglas Brash in a Yale University School of Medicine news release. He is a clinical professor of therapeutic radiology and dermatology at Yale.
Scientists explained the process that caused DNA-related damage in the dark. UV light activated enzymes that stimulated melanin. This process, called chemiexcitation, created the same DNA damage in the dark that sunlight caused in daytime, according to the researchers.
Chemiexcitation is a slow process and it may be possible to develop ways to prevent it, such as "an evening-after" sunscreen that might be able to block the transfer of damaging energy to the skin cells, the researchers said.
This is the shocking damage the sun does to unprotected skin seen through a UV lens.
Everyday beach-goers at Australia's Bondi Beach agreed to be filmed with an ultraviolet camera as part of a special project to prove just how harmful the sun's rays are when not wearing sun screen.
And the results are at times, frightening.
Women's faces were covered in dark spots and even children looked much older than their years when under the truth-revealing lens.
The short film was a collaboration between Nivea Sun and New York based film maker Thomas Leveritt.
He said: "The emotions unleashed when people see themselves in ultraviolet are so interesting - the unselfconscious glee or surprise or fascination is almost like an undiscovered tribe seeing themselves in the mirror for the first time.
"I expected Australians to be much more clued up about the sun than Americans or Brits, which they seem to be.
"But even here, being able actually to see the sun damage changed that message from an intellectual one to an emotional one."
The camera used for the short film had a UV lens so participants were able to see exactly how damaged their skin was.
They were also able to apply sunscreen and see just how much it can protect.
"People were shocked to see how much sunscreen protects you,' Nivea scientist Ken Lee said.
"Sunscreen is important for where we are in this part of the world... the UV is much more intense where we are in Australia.
"It was really important to demonstrate how important sunscreen is to use, so hopefully the film will be a tool to encourage people to use it."
Despite an extensive sun smart message, three out of every four Australians still believe they don't know as much as they should about being sun safe, a study has shown
Mr Lee said there were several tips to consider to be more sun safe this summer.
He added: "People don't wear sunscreen if they find it uncomfortable - it can be too thick or greasy.
"I'd suggest funding one they do find comfortable and get the highest SPF available.
"You should be using about 35ml for your whole body in one application. That's 5ml for the seven body parts, including your face and neck, each limb and front and back."
All summer long, we’re used to hearing how important it is to keep our skin protected from the sun’s glorious— yet harmful— rays. This message seems to die down during the winter, but by no means should we assume that the risk is over. Taking care of our skin is just as important this season, if not more. Read on to discover why we should still be just as careful about protecting our skin from winter sun damage, straight from the experts.
1. Snow Intensifies the Sun’s Rays
If you enjoy winter sports, or live in a a city with a lot of snowfall, protection is vital. “The sun can pack a double punch in the winter since snow reflects up to 80% of the UV light from the sun, leading to an increased risk of damage as you are often hit by the same rays twice! Additionally, winter activities are often done at higher altitudes, where UV radiation exposure increases 4-5% with every 1,000 feet above sea level,” says Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, author of The Whole Cure.
If you enjoy winter sports, or live in a a city with a lot of snowfall, protection is vital. “The sun can pack a double punch in the winter since snow reflects up to 80% of the UV light from the sun, leading to an increased risk of damage as you are often hit by the same rays twice! Additionally, winter activities are often done at higher altitudes, where UV radiation exposure increases 4-5% with every 1,000 feet above sea level,” says Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, author of The Whole Cure.
Clouds don’t necessarily keep you safe, either. According to Dr. Fayne L. Frey, MD, “On partly cloudy days, a phenomenon called broken-cloud effect occurs, and higher UV levels than a clear sky would normally allow are produced. The exact cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but several studies have shown that ultraviolet light enhancement up to 40% can occur.”
2. UVA Rays Don’t Lighten Up
Even though the sun’s rays may feel less intense during winter, UVA rays are equally strong year round. Dr. Cynthia Bailey, MD explains, “UVA penetrates your skin more deeply than UVB, the summer sunburn ray, does. Wrinkles start deep in your skin from UVA damage to the collagen producing cells. UVA will also worsen irregular pigment problems like melisma and sun spots.”
Even though the sun’s rays may feel less intense during winter, UVA rays are equally strong year round. Dr. Cynthia Bailey, MD explains, “UVA penetrates your skin more deeply than UVB, the summer sunburn ray, does. Wrinkles start deep in your skin from UVA damage to the collagen producing cells. UVA will also worsen irregular pigment problems like melisma and sun spots.”
3. Skin Damage is a Cumulative Effort
Skin damage doesn’t just stop at getting a really bad sunburn once, but rather builds up over time. “The negative effects of sun exposure are due to long term, life time exposure. Thus, even in the fall and winter one needs to protect themselves, as the sun is out year round. Even lower strength winter UVB rays (and the just as strong UVA rays) contribute to the long term effects of sun damage,” says Will von Bernuth, co-founder of Block Island Organics.
Skin damage doesn’t just stop at getting a really bad sunburn once, but rather builds up over time. “The negative effects of sun exposure are due to long term, life time exposure. Thus, even in the fall and winter one needs to protect themselves, as the sun is out year round. Even lower strength winter UVB rays (and the just as strong UVA rays) contribute to the long term effects of sun damage,” says Will von Bernuth, co-founder of Block Island Organics.
4. The Environment Isn’t What It Used to Be
Whether you believe in global warming or not (but really, what is there not to believe?), there is no denying that our environment has been declining. “The ozone layer has thinned over the last several years, and the sunlight we are exposed to today, even in the winter, is more intense than it was 20 years ago,” says dermatologist Dr. David Bank.
Whether you believe in global warming or not (but really, what is there not to believe?), there is no denying that our environment has been declining. “The ozone layer has thinned over the last several years, and the sunlight we are exposed to today, even in the winter, is more intense than it was 20 years ago,” says dermatologist Dr. David Bank.
So how can we best save our skin during winter? Winter sports should be treated just like summer activities. “The sun’s rays are always strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM so it would be best, even in the winter, to try and limit your outdoor activities during those hours. If you can’t, then make sure you are well protected with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and aim for the shade as much as possible,” suggests Dr. Bank.
As always, sunscreen is a must, whether it be in your moisturizer, foundation, or on its own. You can protect yourself from both cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays with broad spectrum sunscreens. Be sure to always wear at least broad spectrum SPF 15, which will protect you from 93.3% of UVB rays, according to von Bernuth.
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