discussions about sun exposure and skin damage may seem like an old topic, but the effects can be so significant, it’s worth exploring again. the skin is the largest body organ, making up approximately 15 per cent of our body weight. the skin acts as a defence, providing a protective barrier for not only the body, but also for organs, while performing other important functions for health and well-being. the skin provides some immune functions, helps to maintain body temperature, protects us from bacteria, secretes excess oil and sweat, synthesizes vitamin d and provides sensory information that helps us to understand the world around us.
unlike other organs, the skin is most exposed to extrinsic aging factors (sun, pollutants, hydration, smoking, diet, skin care products) — particularly photo-aging (when the sun prematurely ages the skin).
the sun isn’t the only thing that’s bad for skin
we all know that sun is bad for our skin, but why? solar light is a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic radiation divided into three major categories including ultraviolet a, ultraviolet b and ultraviolet c, as well visible and infrared light. uva radiation is the most abundant form of ultraviolet radiation (90 to 95 per cent) being transmitted from the sun since it is not absorbed by the ozone layer. it’s also most responsible for premature aging. uvb radiation on the other hand, is more responsible for sunburns. there are also other forms of light radiation, including visible light from artificial sources such as computers, phones, fluorescent lights and led lights. infrared (ir) is not visible, and tends to be from artificial light typically used in security cameras.
5 minute read
