Spotlight on Sunburns

First, why do we get sunburn? The sun sends ultraviolet (UV) rays to the earth in the form of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and the damage to the collagen and elastin in our skin- without applying sunscreen protection we will look years older than we actually are. UVB rays lead to sunburn- the body's immune response to sun exposure. UVC rays rarely make their way into our atmosphere, which is good news since they are the most harmful and likely contribute heavily to skin cancers.

Your skin has a certain amount of melanin- which is your protective pigment or "tan". Your natural amount of melanin is genetic and varies for each person. Over exposure to the sun means that your skin cannot produce enough melanin/tan to protect you - this is when you burn. When you burn, sun exposure to UVB rays leaves you red, hot and sun-bruised -- this will be visible in 2-6 hours after overexposure. Normally a burn lasts for 3-5 days and you will notice increased blood flow to the skin making your skin very hot to the touch.

To avoid this uncomfortable (and potentially dangerous) problem, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, wear an SPF with UVA and UVB protection of at least 30 (and re-apply every 2 hours), wear a hat, find shade when possible, and check for potential complications related to your prescriptions. Remember that you can easily burn on a cloudy day or behind glass. Don't forget areas like the tips of your ears, lips, and scalp when applying your SPF.

Sunscreen comes in many different formulas with different strengths and functions but basically you have two types of protection: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are physical blocking agents and not chemicals. Because of this, the chance of allergy is greatly reduced and there is much less chance of skin irritation. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and absorb the sun's harmful rays. This is in contrast to physical sunscreens, which will deflect or block the sun's rays before they reach your skin. Chemical sunscreens generally take about thirty minutes to start working, so it's important to remember to apply the sunscreen before you head out into the sun. If you wait till you are already on the beach or in the pool, it could be too late, and burning may have already begun.

Here are some of our most loved products for the summertime...

1. Stash these travel size tubes of iS Clinical SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen in your car, your diaper bag, your purse….in every bag you own!! (item 475604) Protection is always within reach.
2. Obagi Physical UV Block SPF 32 uses 18.5% Zinc Oxide for amazing sun protection without the use of irritating chemicals. This non-greasy, easily penetrating formula won't leave a white film and leaves you FULLY protected against UVA and UVB rays.
3. If your skin is all ready irritated from the sun you will be soothed by Guinot Creme Protection Reparatice. It will help the sting, irritation, and peeling that comes with overexposure.
4. Spritz on a hydrating and soothing mist of Glymed Plus Cell Science Skin Recovery Mist. Perfect for skin suffering from sunburn or wind exposure and also great for jet lag and after-shower hydration.
5. Keep your lips soft and protected with Jane Iredale Lip Drink with SPF 15 - it adds a hint of shine, tastes delicious, and it shields from cancer causing sun rays!