LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

Take a closer look at the number one cause of skin cancer: Ultraviolet light, and learn to protect yourself!

Ultraviolet light, otherwise known as UV rays, is actually a form of invisible radiation from sources such as the sun, tanning beds and to a lesser degree even overhead fluorescent lighting. UV rays can penetrate and even mutate the cellular structure of our skin cells.

Know the difference

The three types of UV rays are ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC).

UVA

UVA rays are the longest of the three wavelengths and make up 95% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth’s surface. UVA is the most common kind of sunlight at the earth's surface, and reaches beyond the top layer of human skin all year round, in sunshine, clouds, or rain.^[1] Scientists believe that UVA rays can damage connective tissue and increase a person's risk of skin cancer. 80% of UVA rays can pass through clouds and damage your skin.^[2]

They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.

UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging), but until recently scientists believed it did not cause significant damage in areas of the epidermis (outermost skin layer) where most skin cancers occur. Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA damages skin cells, contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers. ^[3]

UVA rays are predominantly responsible for squamous cell carcinomas.
Image source: Cancer Research UK.

UVA rays reach much deeper into your skin than UVB rays. The ozone layer absorbs most UVB rays; UVA rays, on the other hand, reach deeper into the skin, past the outer layer (the epidermis) and far into the dermis and hypodermis.^[4]

Rays can have dramatic negative effects on your skin. Because UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin (the dermis and hypodermis), UVA ray damage is responsible for premature aging, including loss of elasticity, wrinkles, sunspots, fine lines and hyperpigmentation.[5]
Image source: Cancer Research UK

While UVB rays are only present when the sun is out, UVA rays are always present, even when it’s winter. Even if it’s cold and dreary out, you still need sun protection to guard against UVA rays.UVB rays are most intense when the sunlight is brightest—between 10am and 2pm. UVA rays’ intensity is constant throughout the day, regardless of whether or not the sun is directly hitting you.^[6]Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays can penetrate glass windows, like your car windows. At least 60% of UVA rays can pass through car windows.^[7] Even when you’re driving, UVA rays can still damage your unprotected skin. This is why we created our classic Sundriven gloves to help protect you.

UVB

Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, so they are less common at the earth's surface than UVA rays. UVB rays don't reach as far into the skin as UVA rays, but they can still be damaging. The shorter length rays of UVB are primarily responsible for the reddening and burning of our skin.

UVB plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging. Its intensity varies by season, location, and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October. 70% of a person's yearly UVB dose occurs in the summer. [8]

However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice, which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin twice. UVB rays do not significantly penetrate glass. ^[9]

Both the powerful UVA and UVB rays, that make up in part the term UV radiation, can be extremely harmful and dangerous when we are not taking proper precautions.

Many experts believe that, especially for fair-skinned people, UV radiation also frequently plays a key role in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which kills more than 8,000 Americans each year^[10] Did you know that melanoma is the most common form of cancer in adults between the ages of 25 and 29?^[11]

Image source: The American Academy of Dermatology

UV radiation is considered the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers strike more than a million and more than 250,000 Americans, respectively, each year.

So do yourself a favor: Wear SPF and make sure you buy yourself proper sun protective apparel. Our ageless Sundriven collection was designed just for that, and is stylish to boot.

Follow these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology when applying sunscreen:

• Choose sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage, which means it protects you from UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen generously before going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and can burn.
• Use enough sunscreen. Most adults need at least one ounce of sunscreen, about the amount you can hold in your palm, to fully cover all exposed areas of your body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin.
• Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. Remember your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet and legs. For hard-to-reach areas like your back, ask someone to help you or use a spray sunscreen. If you have thinning hair, either apply sunscreen to your scalp or wear a wide-brimmed hat. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with a SPF of at least 15.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to remain protected, or immediately after swimming or excessively sweating.

UVC

UVC rays are in fact, very dangerous, but they are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the ground. These rays have the shortest wavelength, the most energy and fortunately do not penetrate the atmosphere. UVC radiation is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not affect the skin.[12]

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Authors: Mitzi Runyan & May Jabado

Sources: [1] http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/uva-radiation-a-danger-outdoors-and-indoors
[2] http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens
[3] http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb
[4] http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/
[5] (2006) http://news.softpedia.com/news/UV-Radiation-What-UVA-UVB-and-UVC-Rays-Are-and-How-They-Affect-Us-30345.shtml
[6] (2008) http://dermatology.about.com/od/skincancers/a/UV_radiation.htm
[7] http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/uva-radiation-a-danger-outdoors-and-indoors
[8] http://dermatology.about.com/od/skincancers/a/UV_radiation.htm
[9] http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb
[10] http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb
[11] http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
[12] http://dermatology.about.com/od/skincancers/a/UV_radiation.htm

We’ve compiled a list of things we thought you should know about skin, pigmentation and photosensitivity in order for you to better understand how to protect yourself! Don’t be freaked out by the medical terms, we’ve explained everything for you! And if you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and ask.

What exactly is your skin?

This is your body's outer covering, which protects against heat and light, injury, and infection. Skin regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin, which weighs about 6 pounds, is the body's largest organ. It is made up of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The outer layer of the skin (epidermis) is mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Under the squamous cells are round cells called basal cells. The deepest part of the epidermis also contains melanocytes, cells that produce melanin, which gives the skin its color. The inner layer of skin (dermis) contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands that produce sweat, which helps regulate body temperature, and sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin moisturized.[1] However, sometimes the skin needs a little extra help staying moisturized, especially if you have dry skin, so make sure to drink lots of water and to use a moisturizer daily that fits your skin type!

Hyper-pigmentation? Hypo-pigmentation? What's that?

Hyper- and hypo-pigmentation are forms of skin discoloration. The skin does an amazing job protecting us from the ravages of daily life, such as, sun, pollution and other environmental factors. However, when the skin becomes injured or even during the normal aging process, it may darken and start to show uneven brown spots. This is known as hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.

On the opposite side of the coin, Hypo-pigmentation is the loss of skin color; it can appear pinkish and lighter in tone than the rest of your skin color. This is caused by the depletion of melanin, related to sun damage and sometimes can occur due skin inflammation or vitiligo.[2]

Seeing Spots?

Freckles, sun spots, brown spots, age spots or "liver" spots; none of these sound very attractive, but they are all terms that are used to identify a form of hyper-pigmentation. They occur due to sun damage, and are referred to by doctors as solar lentigines.^[3] These small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.

Usually treatment is required to eliminate them and, even then, results are temporary. Take proper precautions in the sun and you’ll keep sun spots from appearing. The best way to prevent spots is to wear sunscreen with the proper SPF and to protect your skin from sun exposure. Luckily, we have a huge variety of apparel to help you with that! Find your gem here.

Know your Mole ABC’s

Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless — but not always. Anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles. That's why it's so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body. Look for the ABCDEs of melanoma, and if you see one or more, make an appointment with a physician immediately.

• Asymmetric- A brown spot will generally remain the same shape and size, whereas a cancerous spot transforms and changes shape and size. Cancerous spots’ shapes tend to be distorted and become irregular in color and size. If you draw an imaginary line through the mole and the two halves do not match, see your physician. The moment your spot starts changing in any of these regards, it’s time to visit the doctor.
• Border- The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
• Color-Brown spots will be just that—a brownish color, like a freckle or mole. Melanoma can also be brown, but can also have pigments of white, red, and pink.
• Diameter- Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eraser (1/4 or 6mm), but may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
• Evolving- Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting points to danger.[4]

Always keep an eye on any brown spots to make sure they aren’t cancerous. Even though a brown spot and melanoma can look similar, these are just some of the visual differences to look out for. Just remember, if you’re at all uncertain, visit your dermatologist. It’s better to be safe!

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What is Photosensitivity?

Some medical conditions, skin treatments, and medications cause skin to become abnormally sensitive to the sun; this increased sensitivity is known as photosensitivity. Those with photosensitive usually experience a skin rash caused by UVA and UVB rays, on their face, arms, hands, and chest.

There are numerous conditions, medications, and even sunscreens that can cause photosensitivity.

Skin conditions that can cause photosensitivity:

• Hives
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Psoriasis

Medical conditions that can cause photosensitivity:

• Lupus (http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html)
• Albinism (http://www.albinism.org/)
• Crohn’s disease (http://www.ccfa.org/)
• Porphyria (http://www.porphyriafoundation.com/)
• Multiple Sclerosis (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/)
• Lyme disease (http://www.aldf.com/)
• Bloom Syndrome (http://www.bloomssyndrome.org/)
• Vitiligo (http://nvfi.org/)
• Xeroderma pigmentosum (http://www.xps.org/)
• Sjogren’s Syndrome (http://www.sjogrens.org/)
• Dravet Syndrome (http://www.dravetfoundation.org/)
• Photodynamic therapy for skin cancerMedications and drugs that can cause photosensitivity:

• John’s Wort
• Peridex
• Antibiotics (Tetracycline, Cipro, Levaquin, Oracea, Atridox, Bactrim, Septra, Phisohex)
• Antihistamines (Benadryl)
• Acne medications (Accutane, Soriatane)
• Psychiatric drugs (Thorazine, Norpramin, Tofranil)
• Retinoids (Retin-A, Isotretinoin, Acitretin)
• Pain killers and anti-inflammatories (Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Naprelan, Aleve, Anaprox, Feldene)
• Coal tar
• Oral contraceptives
• Lasix
• Diabetic drugs (Diabinese, Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase)

Ingredients in sunscreens that can cause photosensitivity:

• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• Oxybenzone
• Cyclohexanol
• Benzophenones
• Salicylates
• Cinnamate

Cancer chemotherapy drugs that can cause photosensitivity:

• 5-fluorouracil (Efudex, Carac, Fluoroplex)
• Vinblastine (Velban, Velsar)
• Dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome)

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As a general rule, to protect yourself, avoid unprotected sun exposure! Wear safe sunscreen with the right SPF, a glamourous sun hat and, of course, your favorite item of Sundriven® protective apparel!

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Authors: Mitzi Runyan & May Jabado

Sources: [1] http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7901
[2] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003242.htm
[3] http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/hyperpigmentation.html
[4] http://americancancerfund.org/basic-cancer-info/basic-info/skin

Of course our mission here at Sundriven is to protect women around the world from the harmful effects of the sun. This week, I was excited to come across a new invention, and happy to see others with the same mission...

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A pair of new studies show that a new smartphone app, Solar Cell, encourages people to spend more time in the shade and less time in the sun, while also pushing them towards wearing protective, and hats.

Klein Buendel, a health communication research organization based in Golden, Colorado is producing Solar Cell in partnership with the National Cancer Institute. Most health-related apps undergo little to no formal testing, but Buller and his colleagues conducted two clinical trials on Solar Cell, randomly assigning participants to either use the app or not while testing their sun-protection behaviors.

The app offers personalized sun-protection advice based on real-time ultraviolet (UV) light forecasts and the user's own risk factors for sun damage, such as skin tone. Solar Cell's full version will roll out in spring 2015, David Buller, a research director at Klein Buendel, said. For now, users can get a free, basic version called sunZapp for Android or iOS.

Klein Buendel found that people who used the app reported spending more time engaging in sun-protection behaviors, such as wearing protective clothing, and less time in the sun than those who were supposed to use the app but didn't. Interestingly, the app users also reported less sunscreen — but that might be a good thing, Buller said. Many people use sunscreen incorrectly, and shade and indoor time are often better protection, he said.

Unfortunately, the app hasn't been getting many downloads. "If you look at the general data on how apps are used, very large numbers of apps are either never downloaded or if they are downloaded, people don't use them more than once or twice," Buller told Live Science.

But why?

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The studies highlight the challenge of changing people's behavior, dermatologists Dr. A. Shadi Kourosh and Dr. Joseph Kvedar of Harvard Medical School wrote in an editorial accompanying the studies in the JAMA Dermatology journal.

"As we use more consumer-focused interventions in an environment as personal as mobile devices, we are learning that there is a gulf between educating patients and achieving behavioral change," the dermatologists, who were not involved in the studies, wrote.

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As Solar Cell becomes widely available this spring, Klein Buendel plans to target advertising to people who spend lots of time outdoors and to dermatologists who treat skin cancer patients who may be more motivated to protect themselves against the sun, Buller said. The hope is that these vulnerable and motivated populations will get the most out of the mobile app.

We HIGHLY recommend that all of our customers and readers download the app, and stay protected always using Sundriven, while outdoors. We have so much resources now to help protect us, so why not use them all the while enjoying the outdoors?

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.livescience.com/49612-sun-protection-app-solar-cell.html