What is Solar Radiation - and how does it affect your skin?
Sunlight, an essential pre-requisite for life, may be extremely dangerous to human health. Excessive exposure to the sun is known to be associated with increased risks of various skin cancers, cataracts, and other eye diseases, as well as accelerated skin ageing.
What is Solar Radiation?
Solar radiation is the energy emitted from the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves, which includes visible and ultraviolet light and infrared radiation. Beaming energy is emitted by the sun from a nuclear fusion reaction that creates electromagnetic energy. Approximately half of the radiation is in the visible short-wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum; while the other half is mostly in the near-infrared part, with some in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.
 What does solar radiation do to your skin
The skin uses sunlight to help manufacture vitamin D, which is important for normal bone formation. But sometimes it's ultraviolet light can be very detrimental.
Within the skin's outer layer are cells that contain the pigment melanin. Melanin protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can burn the skin, and over time, could reduce its elasticity and causes premature ageing. Sun tanning occurs as a result of exposure to sunlight. The skin then produces more melanin and darkens. The tan fades as these cells move toward the surface and are sloughed off.
Too much exposure to ultraviolet or UV rays can cause sunburn as UV rays penetrate the outer skin layers and pass into the deeper layers, where they can damage or kill skin cells. People who do not have much melanin should protect themselves by covering up sensitive areas, wearing sunblock and limiting their total exposure time.
Frequent and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays over many years is the chief cause of skin cancer, and for this reason, it is important to examine skin regularly for the development of suspicious growths or changes that make occur in the skin. Early detection and treatment are key to increasing the cure rate for skin cancer.
How does solar radiation cause skin cancer, photo-ageing, and damage to the skin?
Skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, or outermost layer; the dermis, or middle layer; and the basement layer. The dermis contains collagen, elastin, and other fibres that support the skin's structure. It is these elements that give skin its smooth and youthful appearance and that are damaged by UV radiation (UVR).
The UVR that affects the skin is composed of two different types of waves, UVA and UVB. When UVR hits the skin, cells in the dermis scramble to produce melanin to the epidermis. This is the process that gives you a tan, which is really just your skin attempting to block the radiation from penetrating your skin.
Most skin cancers are a direct result of exposure to the UV rays in sunlight. Both, basal cell and squamous cell cancers (the most common types of skin cancer), tend to be found on sun-exposed parts of the body and is typically related to lifetime sun exposure. The risk of melanoma, a more serious but less common type of skin cancer, is also related to sun exposure, although perhaps not as strongly. Skin cancer has also been linked to exposure to some artificial sources of UV rays.
UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays, and are the main cause of sunburn. But it is the UVA rays with their longer wavelength, that is responsible for much of the damage we associate with photo-ageing. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they damage the collagen fibres. This damage causes increased production of abnormal elastin. The unusual amounts of elastin result in the production of enzymes called metalloproteinases. These enzymes, which rebuild damaged collagen, often malfunction and degrade the collagen, resulting in a compromised skin barrier. As this process is repeated with daily UVA exposure, the skin forms wrinkles and the depleted collagen results in leathery skin.
 U.V Protect SPF50+
A unique combination of state-of-the-art ingredients. The U.V. protect SPF 50 + provides superior protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays whilst reducing inflammation produced by infrared radiation. Provides high sun protection, yet is comfortable and gentle on the skin. This unique formula, especially for the face, includes beneficial ingredients to help prevent skin dryness. Ideal to be applied during skin resurfacing procedures or outdoor activities and sports.
PROPERTIES OF KEY ACTIVES
UVA and UVB filters - for daily broad-spectrum protection.
Enzymatic photo-protector - An active ingredient that prevents the visible signs of photo-ageing like spots, wrinkles, and dryness. It helps to reinforce the cutaneous barrier, improves skin moisture and corneocyte cohesion, protects cells from UV damages whilst reducing inflammation produced by Infrared radiation.
Co-Enzyme Q10 - Reduces free radical damage via its antioxidant properties. It also assists cells in building collagen and therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C - It is one of the best sources to neutralize free radical and combat photo-ageing. Promotes skin repairing and stimulates cellular restoration.
Vitamin E - Protects the skin from environmental pollution and has a protecting action against UV radiation. It is an excellent moisturizer with powerful anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
The use of the pHformula U.V. protect SPF 30+ or SPF 50+ is essential to protect the skin from UV radiation. Please note that it is recommended that extended sun exposure must be avoided, especially in the 10 days prior to the treatment.
 SOS rescue oil
This dual-phase SOS rescue oil is a unique combination of oil blends and naturally sourced actives, infusing the skin with a healthy glow and youthfulness. Collagen production improves, helping soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin. It provides natural barrier protection for the skin.
PROPERTIES OF KEY ACTIVES
Argan Oil - Rich in unsaturated fatty acids which helps in the restoration of the hydro-lipidic film of the skin. The high level of Vitamin E and Ferulic acid act as a powerful antioxidants that helps prevent damage caused by sun exposure. Also contains linoleic acid, which is one of the omega-6 fatty acids that assist to preserve skin cell integrity.
Vitamin C- Prevents and repairs skin damage caused by free radicals and restores its glow, freshness, and vitality while protecting from future damage.
Vitamin E- Protects the skin from environmental pollution and has a protecting action against UV radiation. It is an excellent moisturizer with powerful anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
 Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is essential for life. The roles of vitamin C are numerous: it is a water-soluble antioxidant which compresses free radicals and regenerates vitamin E, and is an important regulator of collagen expression stimulating its synthesis. Studies have shown that vitamin C levels on the skin are severely depleted after UV irradiation and that, histologically, vitamin C improves and normalizes the changes caused by photodamage. (Ref: Burke Dermatol Therapy 2007; Farris Dermatol Surg 2005). Vitamin C has been used effectively to stimulate collagen repair, thus diminishing some of the effects of photo-ageing on the skin.
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