The Cleveland College reports that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light damages elastin (the fibres in the skin) over time. When these fibres break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to return to its original place after stretching. While you may not experience the sun damage when you are young, it can show later in life.
Apart from vanity or cosmetic concerns, skin cancer due to harmful UV is the most common form of skin cancer.
The Centre for Communicable Diseases (CDC) recommends a number of measures to protect your skin from UV rays:
- Stay in the shade.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Avoid indoor tanning which exposes users to intense levels of UV rays – a glowing tan is not a sign of being healthy!
A pharmacist created the first commercial sunscreen in the United States. Since then, choosing the right protection option and getting advice on the most effective application has become far more complicated. Luckily your Link pharmacist is there to help you make the right decisions for your skin and well-being.
Sources:
- https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/sun-protection-pharmacists-have-the-facts
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.