Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential product for protecting skin from the harmful rays of the sun. While skin is easy to take for granted, continuing studies show that protecting skin with sunscreen and other similar products can make a massive difference in the overall health of the skin.
Why Sunscreen is Necessary
Skin has two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis is the outer layer and in itself also has three living layers (the basal layer, the spinous layer, and the granular layer). The basal layer is that which is affected by sunlight, and where damage from exposure first occurs. Melanocyte cells within the basal layer produce melanin, the pigment in skin, and can be damaged by the UV rays in sunlight to become melanoma, or skin cancer.
Sunlight can be categorized into infrared (or heat), visible light and ultraviolet light. Within UV light there are UVA and UVB rays. The ultraviolet light in sunlight – or produced by tanning methods such as tanning beds – stimulates melanin production by the melanocytes. When there is not enough melanin, cellular damage causes sunburn. Over time, repeated exposure to UV light can mutate the melanocytes and result in melanoma; less pigment in the skin results in greater susceptibility to UV rays, which is why fair-skinned people have a greater incidence of skin cancer.
Continued...
By Kira Lee
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