YOUR SKIN

ULTRAVIOLET C RAYS

are absorbed and deflected away from the earth by our ozone layer, never reaching us. UVC rays are currently not a concern in sun care.

UVB RAYS – ULTRAVIOLET B RAYS

are responsible for “burns” to our skin, primarily damaging the outer layer of the epidermis. These are the only rays which the ‘SPF’ number refers to. UVB rays can cause Skin Cancer.

UVA RAYS I & II – ULTRAVIOLET A RAYS I & II

are deeper penetrating rays, traveling all the way to the dermis of the skin. These rays are responsible for “tanning” to our skin. We now know that UVA rays are responsible for cellular DNA damage, premature aging and wrinkling of the skin and skin cancer, including Melanoma. Under 2012 FDA regulations “Broad Spectrum” refers to a products ability to filter both UVB and a required amount of UVA radiation.

UV SKIN DAMAGE FACTS

  • UVA Rays intensity remains constant throughout the seasons of the year.
  • UV exposure can be increased by as much as 25%, 50% and 80% from the reflection off of sand, water and snow respectively.
  • UVA Rays penetrate through glass windows all year round
  • UVB Radiation is a high energy wave that can cause direct cellular DNA damage.
  • UVA Radiation is a lower energy wave that leads to longer term cellular DNA damage.
  • Higher Elevations increase the intensity of UV Rays and can possibly lead to exposure of UVC radiation.
  • Over 90% of UV Radiation hitting the earth are UVA Rays.
  • UVB Rays cause “burning” on the skins surface and the effects can be seen shortly after exposure. UVA Rays cause a delayed “tanning” effect and the effects of their cellular damage can sometimes not be seen for quite some time.
  • Over 80% of UV radiation, especially UVA Radiation can penetrate cloud cover all year round.
  • Indoor tanning may introduce users to 15 times more UVA radiation than that of the sun.
  • It is a widely accepted fact that the sun’s UV Rays are classified as photo carcinogenic energy (having the ability to generate cancer through the sun).
  • Both UVA and UVB Rays are responsible causes of skin cancers, aging of the skin and eyes, immunosuppression and other damages.
  • UV damage is cumulative throughout our lifetime. Meaning, each occurrence piles on top of the previous.
  • Each time a person sunburns to a peel, their risk of cancer increases by 50%. Persons with more than 40 moles are 3 times more likely to develop skin cancer.

RAW ELEMENTS USA ® RESPONSIBLE APPROACH ON SUN PROTECTION

  • Always wear UV protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, rash guards, etc.
  • Try to avoid peak hour sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm
  • Always stay hydrated and seek shade whenever available
  • Young children need even more protection from heat and sun
  • When using sunscreen :
    • It is essential to use true Broad Spectrum Protection.
    • All sunscreens need to be applied heavily to get the true SPF values.
    • One ounce per adult body, per application is the standard.
    • Reapply often, especially after excessive sweating and water exposure.