Avoiding sun damage

Why is sun protection so important?

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and that each year more than 3.5 million cases in two million people are diagnosed? One out of every five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Proper sun protection will keep skin healthy and help keep you from becoming a statistic.

Sunburns are often viewed as nothing more than a minor annoyance after a long day at the beach, but that is far from the case. Sun protection is important because even just one sunburn during adolescence or childhood can more than double your chances of developing melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

Sun protection keeps skin looking younger longer

Sunlight is a main cause of skin aging with sun damage accounting for nearly 80% of skin aging. Over-exposure to the sun accelerates the aging process, as it damages the skin down to its deepest layers. UVB radiation affects the upper layer, the epidermis; UVA radiation is harmful to the middle of the dermis; and infra-red A radiation to deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Using sun protection daily can help prevent and minimize the occurrence of photo-aging caused by sun exposure. Signs of photo-aging include wrinkles, sunspots, and sagging skin. Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays to help fight against sun damage. The lightweight, non-greasy formula leaves skin feeling refreshed without the heavy scent of sunscreen.

Age spots explained

Melanin resides in the epidermis and is what gives the skin its pigmentation to protect from the sun's rays. As a person gets older, the amount of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) decreases, leaving the skin less protected from the UV radiation. The remaining melanin-producing cells tend to group, forming pigmented clusters known as age, or liver, spots. They are usually localized in areas that have been exposed to the sun most often. Proper sun protection can help prevent or postpone the appearance of age spots.

Wrinkles and sagging skin explained

75% of our skin is made of collagen, which is the fibrous protein of skin, bone, and other connective tissue. Elastin is also present in skin and allows skin to resume its shape after stretching or contracting, while collagen is responsible for skin strength and elasticity.

UVA cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin of our skin and has long been known as a cause for premature skin aging (fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, pigment spots and uneven tone of the skin, broken capillaries and enlargement of the pores).

Sun protection with the ABC'S of sun safety

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone follow the ABC'S of sun safety for proper sun protection all year round:

• A = Away - Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day.
• B = Block - Use SPF 15 or higher.
• C = Cover up - Wear a T-shirt and a hat.
• S = Speak out - Talk to family and friends about sun protection.

Eco Friendly, Cruelty Free and Vegan Skin Care

Skin MD Natural and Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 are manufactured in the United States using 100% solar power, free of animal products and animal testing.