Smart Skin Care

Prevention of skin cancer begins with protection from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds.  I think you will find the following facts interesting and emphasizes the need for sunscreen application everyday. 

• Natural protection from the sun’s damaging rays comes from the ozone, which is the major photo-protective agent in the atmosphere.  It is thickest at the north and south poles and is the thinnest at the equator.  

• Ultraviolet ray intensity increases about 10% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level.  Therefore, Denver, the mile high city, 5280 feet above sea level has a higher intensity of UV rays due to its altitude versus New Orleans which is at sea level.    It is important to remember that fog and clouds only reduce UV intensity about 30% and that UV protection is needed even on cloudy days. 

• The sunscreen benefit of clothing is related to the thickness, type of fiber, weave, stretch, color, and other factors.  A point of interest would be the fact that nylon stockings have a SPF of only 2 to 3. 

• Don’t be fooled by window glass and sunglasses.  UVB rays (the sunburn rays) are blocked by glass but the UVA rays (the longer wavelength UV rays) pass through window glass and sunglasses and can damage the skin and eyes. 

• Luckily, advances are constantly being made to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.  Environmental regulations have improved the thickness of the ozone layer.  Clothing has been manufactured to provide sun protection, some chemically treated with sunscreen agents.  Glass has been thickened, polarized, and tinted to increase its sun protective properties. 

• The most important thing you can do is apply sunscreen daily.  There are broad spectrum facial moisturizers with sunscreen ingredients for everyday use.  I highly recommend Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 with transparent zinc oxide, additional sunscreen ingredients, and antioxidants.  Most cosmetic products with sunscreen ingredients only increase their sun protection ability to a maximum of SPF 3-15.  However, Rx Systems Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 provides twice the protection and then some.  
  

The Rx Systems PF SPF 35 Facial Moisturizer with Transparent Zinc Oxide provides complete Broad Spectrum UVB/UVA protection. This Dermatologist developed and tested SPF Moisturizer offers unmatched Protection from the Sun’s harmful rays and an Antioxidant Formulation designed to provide excellent Anti-Aging Benefits. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores, it’s Hypoallergenic, very Hydrating and Oil-free. Regular use of sunscreens over the years may reduce the chance of sun damage, some types of skin cancer, and other harmful effects due to the sun.