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High SPF Skin ProtectionWithout protection from the sun’s rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. These aging marks on the skin include freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, and fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer. The term commonly used to described sun's effects on skin aging is "Photoaging". Photoaging occurs over a period of years and in terms of prevention, continuous prevention against sun damage is needed to produce anti aging effects. In studies repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun has also a detrimental effect on elastin, making skin looser, more wrinkled, and more leathery. To combat against these effects, as an anti aging measure, it has been suggested that applying sunscreen year round is a good idea. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. There are lotions with SPF 45 and higher. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors to all skin that will be exposed. It should be reapplied after sweating or being in water. Other advice from dermatologists include avoiding deliberate tanning, including use of indoor tanning devices, staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest, and finally, wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when outdoors during the day. High SPF Skin Protection - StudiesAmerican Academy of Dermatology. “Turning Back the Hands of Time.” February 21, 2005. Demierre MF et al. “Public knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of the association between skin aging and smoking.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1999 Jul;41(1):27-30. Fisher GJ. “The Pathophysiology of Photoaging of the Skin.” Cutis, 2005 Feb;75(2S):5-9. Koh JS et al. “Cigarette smoking associated with premature facial wrinkling: image analysis of facial skin replicas.” International Journal of Dermatology, 2002 Jan;41(1)21-27. Moschella S and Hurley H. (1992) “Aging and Its Effects on the Skin.” Dermatology: Third Edition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company. Oikarinen A. “Aging of the skin connective tissue: how to measure the biochemical and mechanical properties of aging dermis.” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine, 1994 Apr;10(2):47-52. Autier P, Doré JF, Cattaruzza MS,et al. For the EORTC melanoma group. Sunscreen use, wearing clothes, and nevinumber in 6- to 7-year-old European children. J Natl CancerInst 1998 ; 90 :1873-1881. Autier P, Doré JF,Négrier S, et al. Sunscreen use and duration of sun exposure : a double-blind randomized trial. J Natl CancerInst 1999 ; 91 :1304-1309. Naylor MF, Farmer KC. The case for sunscreens : a review of their use in preventing actinic skin damage and neoplasia. ArchDermatol 1997 ; 133 :1146-1154.
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