Stay protected!

Article excerpts by Heather Brannon, M.D.

Sunlight has a profound effect on the skin causing premature skin aging, skin cancer, and a host of skin changes. Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Many skin changes that were commonly believed to be due to aging, such as easy bruising, are actually a result of prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

What is UV Radiation?
The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength.

• UVC – 100 to 290 nm
• UVB – 290 to 320 nm
• UVA – 320 to 400 nm

UVC Radiation
UVC radiation is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not affect the skin. UVC radiation can be found in artificial sources such as mercury arc lamps and germicidal lamps.

UVB Radiation
UVB affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns. It is the most intense between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sunlight is brightest. It is also more intense in the summer months accounting for 70% of a person’s yearly UVB dose. UVB does not penetrate glass.

UVA Radiation
UVA was once thought to have a minor effect on skin damage, but now studies are showing that UVA is a major contributor to skin damage. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.

Damaging Effects of UVA and UVB
Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin damage including wrinkles, lowered immunity against infection, aging skin disorders, and cancer. However, we still do not fully understand the process. Some of the possible mechanisms for UV skin damage are collagen breakdown, the formation of free radicals, interfering with DNA repair, and inhibiting the immune system.

Collagen Breakdown
In the dermis, UV radiation causes collagen to break down at a higher rate than with just chronologic aging. Sunlight damages collagen fibers and causes the accumulation of abnormal elastin. When this sun-induced elastin accumulates, enzymes called metalloproteinases are produced in large quantities. Normally, metalloproteinases remodel sun-injured skin by manufacturing and reforming collagen. However, this process does not always work well and some of the metalloproteinases actually break down collagen. This results in the formation of disorganized collagen fibers known as solar scars. When the skin repeats this imperfect rebuilding process over and over wrinkles develop.

Immune System Effects
The body has a defense system to attack developing cancer cells. These immune system factors include white blood cells called T lymphocytes and specialized skin cells in the dermis called Langerhans cells. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, certain chemicals are released that suppress these immune factors.

Cell Death
The last line of defense of the immune system is a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis is a process of cell-suicide that kills severely damaged cells so they cannot become cancerous. This cell-suicide is seen when you peel after a sunburn. There are certain factors, including UV exposure, that prevent this cell death allowing cells to continue to divide and possibly become cancerous.

Skin Cancer Caused by the Sun
The ability of the sun to cause skin cancer is a well-known fact. The 3 main skin cancers are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer because it metastasizes more readily than the other skin cancers. It is believed that the amount of exposure of the skin to the sun before the age of 20 is actually the determining risk factor for melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to spread locally, not metastasize. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, and it can metastasize although not as commonly as melanoma. The risk of getting basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is determined by a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation and the person’s pigment protection.

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1) Microdermabrasion – This is a therapy which is done by a Dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. This therapy is used successfully in wrinkle correction and also in fading the visibility of scars. In this therapy, the face is sanded literally like a sandpaper is applied on wood. The results are good, but there are these drawbacks: redness of skin, pain, the possiblity of permanent scarring and permanent alteration in skin pigmentation.

2) Face Peels – This therapy of wrinke reduction is also called as chemical peels. It is generally done by dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons. A chemical is applied on the face and it makes the skin red and forms a kind of crust. This crust of dead skin is then peeled off. The skin that is below is then free of wrinkles. The risks in this therapy of wrinkle reduction are that it is a painful process, you can expect a long recovery time, and there exists risk of permanent scarring and pigmentation changes in the skin.

3) Laser Resurfacing – This therapy is frequently used for wrinkle correction. It is also effective like the previous two therapies. The face wrinkes are given laser treatment and the wrinkles are faded. The risks are similar to Microdermabrasion and face peels. These risks are present in all types of facial surgical operations, that is risk of permanent pigmentation change, burns, scarring and infections. Besides this, all the above wrinkle correction therapies are quite expensive and far out of the reach of the common man.

4) Anti Aging Skin Creams – This is best alternative to choose for wrinkle reduction, but you need to be careful regarding what skincare product you choose as there a lot of hyped up skincare creams available in the market. While choosing the right anti aging wrinkle reduction skin cream you should look out for natural ingredients that have the properties of enhancing the collagen and elastin production in the body. These are the vital skin proteins in our body which are responsible for keeping our skin firm, supple, soft and elastic.

The only downside of such anti aging wrinkle reduction skin creams is that they take a few weeks at least to show their results and a few months for a total wrinkle correction and removal. They take this extra time because they work naturally from within and it is almost like the creation of new and fresh skin by the body! So, if a baby takes around 9 months to form, it would fair enough to give the body a month or two to create new fresh young skin that is wrinkle free. The positive side of anti aging wrinkle reduction skin creams is that -·    There is no pain involved. In fact, skin creams give a nice soothing feeling that makes applying them a pleasant experience. They also are much cheaper than the surgical processes. There is no risk of permanent pigmentation alteration, allergies, skin disorders, etc.

The effect on skin health is deep and long lasting. Not only does it improve the looks by wrinkle reduction, but also give all round skin health and renewed vitality. I would like to add that anti aging wrinkle reduction creams might not be the best skincare solution for all persons, but they are definitely the safest and the most effective natural solution for wrinkle reduction.

Natural Anti aging wrinkle reduction creams can also be used as anti aging skincare system after you have undergone the surgical procedures mentioned above. Just do your own research on natural substances which can help your body in producing more of these youth giving proteins- collagen and elastin. By regular, long time use of such amazing therapies, it would get difficult for you to even spot out a wrinkle on your skin.

Don't frown, there ARE anti-aging solutions out there!

Not many people pay attention to this scientific fact that the human skin has a unique ability of absorbing or swallowing up those ingredients that are applied through skin creams and lotions. These ingredients find their way into the deeper layers of the skin, as well as till the blood stream! This makes the substances you apply on the skin as important as the foods you eat. You should have absolute clarity on this fact to have a deeper understanding of foods and creams that help prevent wrinkles.

To begin with, foods that prevent wrinkles are composed of a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables which is rich in vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, calcium and antioxidants. Water also plays a key role in removing out the toxins from your system. Both these things are essential for maintaining optimum skin health and youth.

Cosmetics made up of synthetic chemicals are disastrous for skin and overall health. They contain harmful substances such as fragrances, alcohols, parabens, dioxanes and mineral oils. These chemicals have been scientifically proven to cause numerous health problems. Parabens are preservatives that have caused cancerous breast tumors! Fragrances cause hormonal disruptions, anxiety and hyperactivity and interfere in the functioning of the central nervous system. Mineral oils cause acne eruptions, allergies, rashes and irritation and cause premature skin aging.

So, you should be very alert regarding foods that help prevent wrinkles. Look for natural ingredients such as Phytessence Wakame, olive oil, grape seed oil, natural vitamin E, Cynergy TK and active Manuka honey. These are the best natural ingredients when it comes to anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. They are used in the best anti-aging products due to the exceptional capabilities that have been scientifically proven. They are safe enough to eat and give a lot of health benefits besides making the skin young and attractive. Look for anti-aging skin care products which contain such amazing natural ingredients. These are the best natural foods that help prevent wrinkles, and give long lasting and permanent results.

Cynergy TK – helps in enhancing the production of youth giving skin proteins collagen and elastin in the body. In this way, it gives a young, supple and vibrant skin.

Phytessence Wakame – is an extract of a special type of Japanese sea kelp. It preserves hyaluronic acid in the body which is essential for a wrinkle free and smooth complexioned skin.

Active Manuka honey – is rich in enzymes and vital nutrients. It is known for its antioxidant, antibacterial and healing properties. It gives the skin a natural glow and creamy complexion.

Natural vitamin E – is one of the best antioxidants and prevents premature skin aging.

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