UV protection of the skin. UV protection
With the onset sunny days the question of the need for protection from ultraviolet radiation is acute. Various sunscreens are viewed from store shelves and TV screens, which appear to us to be vital and necessary. Let's see if this is so? What can sunscreens and lotions protect us from?
As you know, the spectrum of the Sun, reaching the boundaries of the earth's atmosphere, is divided into 3 components:
1) Infrared rays (IR) - from 0.76 to 60 microns (in this area, the measurement in microns is taken);
2) Visible rays - 400-760 nm;
3) Ultraviolet rays (UV) - 10-400 nm.
Ultraviolet, about the harm of which is trumpeted to the right and left, in fact, is necessary for a person, but in small doses. Vitamin D is synthesized in the human body under the influence of ultraviolet rays on the skin, but literally 15 minutes in the sun is enough to get a daily dose. V large quantities UV light is certainly harmful: it accelerates the aging process of the skin and increases the likelihood of skin cancer.
Ultraviolet radiation (10-400 nm)
Conventionally, the entire ultraviolet spectrum that reaches the surface of the planet or is emitted by artificial sources is divided into 3 areas:
A (UVA) - 400-320 nm (predominant erythemal, or sunburn effect);
B (UVB) - 320-280 nm (predominant antirachitic effect, i.e. providing the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin);
C (UVC) - 280-200 nm (predominant bactericidal effect).
Nearly all UVC and approximately 90% of UVB are absorbed by ozone, as well as water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide as they pass through sunlight through the earth's atmosphere. Radiation from the UVA range is rather weakly absorbed by the atmosphere. Therefore, the radiation reaching the Earth's surface contains largely UVA and, to a small extent, UVB.
The direct effect of UV radiation on the cells of a living organism is associated with complex photochemical processes and, first of all, with a damaging effect on a living cell and the destruction of proteins. As a result of this physical exposure to UV rays in the skin occurs:
- Loosening of protein bonds in the cell and the appearance of fragments of protein molecules;
- Cellular enzymes, including, eliminate damaged protein substances;
- The development of a local reaction - UV erythema - aseptic inflammation with all the signs that characterize any inflammatory process: redness, pain, swelling and even dysfunction and fever.
The oncogenic effect of UV radiation, which leads to the development of skin cancer, deserves special consideration. In the experiment, it was proved that daily long-term intense UV irradiation of rats and mice for many months caused the formation of malignant tumors in almost all animals, localized mainly on the hairless parts of the head. Blastomogenic include UV rays with a wavelength of 290-330 nm, especially 301-303 nm, which are referred to as UVB. Skin cancer is common in all peoples of the world, living in different climates. However, the incidence of skin cancer among the population of different countries is far from the same. Thus, in Australia, the number of such patients is more than half of the total number of all cancer patients. Clinical observations show that people with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer. For example, in Hawaii, skin cancer is 42 times more common among whites than among blacks. The mechanism of the blastomogenic action of UV radiation is still unclear.
What does SPF?
To determine the effectiveness of sunscreens, the term sun protection factor ( SPF - sun protection factor). To understand its essence, you first need to understand another term - the minimum erythemal dose (MED), which is defined as the smallest time interval or dosage of UV irradiation sufficient to produce the minimum noticeable erythema, that is, redness, on unprotected skin. And SPF shows how many MED of protected skin exceeds MED of unprotected skin.
Sunburns are caused by UVB radiation, so SPF shows the effectiveness of protection mainly against this type of rays. In general, it is generally accepted that 1 SPF is the ability to safely stay in the sun for 10 minutes. The higher this indicator, the more long-term protection the product can provide. But the SPF value is very conditional, due to the fact that different people its phototype, which determines the susceptibility to UV, and also matters what layer the sunscreen is applied in, how quickly it is washed off, and so on. Therefore, this indicator gives only a rough idea of the ability to protect against UVB, and it should not be taken literally.
UVA radiation is no less dangerous, because it does not act so strongly, but penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, causing photoaging and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer, while leaving no visible erythema. There is an indicator for assessing protection against this type of radiation - LPF, which is calculated by determining the minimum phototoxic dose. However, this figure is not widely used, and packages with sun protection products simply indicate "UVA" if they contain filters for this type of rays.
What are UV filters?
All UV filters are divided into chemical, which absorb only part of the radiation, and physical (barrier), which scatter and reflect the rays. The former include salicylates, cinnamates, benzophenones, derivatives of para-aminobenzoic acid, the latter - titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.
Some base oils have natural sun protection factor, for example :
- Raspberry Seed Oil - SPF 28-50;
- - SPF 6-7;
- Olive oil - SPF 7-8;
- - SPF 4-5;
- - SPF 6;
- Castor oil - SPF 5-6;
- - SPF 1-2;
You cannot see, hear, or feel ultraviolet radiation, but you can quite realistically feel its effects on the body, including the eyes.
You probably know that excessive exposure to ultraviolet light increases the risk of skin cancer, and try to use protective creams. What do you know about protecting your eyes from UV radiation?
Many publications in professional publications are devoted to the study of the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes, and from them, in particular, it follows that prolonged exposure to them can cause whole line diseases. In conditions of a decrease in the ozone layer of the atmosphere, the need for the correct selection of eye protection from excessive solar radiation, including its ultraviolet component, is extremely urgent.
What is ultraviolet light?
Ultraviolet radiation is electromagnetic radiation invisible to the eye, occupying the spectral region between visible and X-ray radiation in the wavelength range of 100-380 nanometers. The entire region of ultraviolet radiation (or UV) is conventionally divided into near (l = 200-380 nm) and far, or vacuum (l = 100-200 nm); the latter name is due to the fact that the radiation of this area is strongly absorbed by air and its study is carried out using vacuum spectral instruments.
Rice. 1. Full electromagnetic spectrum of solar radiation
The sun is the main source of ultraviolet radiation, although some sources artificial lighting also have an ultraviolet component in their spectrum, in addition, it also occurs during gas welding. The near range of UV rays, in turn, is subdivided into three components - UVA, UVB and UVC, which differ in their effect on the human body.
When exposed to living organisms, ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the upper layers of plant tissues or the skin of humans and animals. Its biological action is based on chemical changes in biopolymer molecules caused both by their direct absorption of radiation quanta and, to a lesser extent, by interaction with water radicals and other low molecular weight compounds formed during irradiation.
UVC is the shortest wavelength and highest energy ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength range of 200 to 280 nm. Regular exposure of living tissues to this radiation can be quite destructive, but, fortunately, it is absorbed by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. It should be borne in mind that it is this radiation that is generated by bactericidal ultraviolet radiation sources and arises during welding.
UVB covers the wavelength range from 280 to 315 nm and is a medium-energy radiation that is hazardous to the human eye. It is UVB rays that contribute to sunburn, photokeratitis, and in extreme cases, cause a number of skin diseases. UVB radiation is almost completely absorbed by the cornea, but part of it, in the range of 300-315 nm, can penetrate into the internal structures of the eye.
UVA is the longest wavelength and least energetic component of UV radiation with l = 315-380 nm. The cornea absorbs some UVA radiation, but most of it is absorbed by the lens. Ophthalmologists and optometrists should take this component into account first of all, because it penetrates deeper into the eyes and poses a potential hazard.
The eyes are exposed to the entire sufficiently wide UV range of radiation. Its short-wavelength part is absorbed by the cornea, which can be damaged by prolonged exposure to radiation of waves with l = 290-310 nm. With an increase in the wavelength of ultraviolet radiation, the depth of its penetration into the eye increases, and most of this radiation is absorbed by the lens.
The lens of the human eye is an excellent filter created by nature to protect the internal structures of the eye. It absorbs UV radiation in the 300 to 400 nm range, protecting the retina from potentially harmful wavelengths. Nevertheless, with long-term regular exposure to ultraviolet radiation, damage to the lens itself develops, over the years it becomes yellow-brown, cloudy and, in general, unsuitable for functioning as intended (that is, a cataract is formed). In this case, an operation is prescribed to remove the cataract.
Light transmission of spectacle lens materials in the UV range.
Protection of the organs of vision is traditionally carried out with the use of sunglasses, clips, visors, hats with visors. The ability of spectacle lenses to filter out the potentially harmful component of the solar spectrum is associated with the phenomena of absorption, polarization or reflection of the radiation flux. Special organic or inorganic materials are introduced into the composition of the material of spectacle lenses or are applied in the form of coatings to their surface. The degree of UV protection of spectacle lenses cannot be determined visually from the shade or color of the spectacle lens.
Rice. 2. Ultraviolet spectrum
Although the spectral properties of spectacle lens materials are regularly discussed on the pages of professional publications, including the Veko magazine, there are still persistent misconceptions about their transparency in the UV range. These wrong judgments and ideas find their expression in the opinion of some ophthalmologists and even splash out on the pages of mass publications. Thus, in the article “Sunglasses can provoke aggressiveness” by the ophthalmologist-consultant Galina Orlova, published in the newspaper “St. Petersburg Vedomosti” on May 23, 2002, we read: “Quartz glass does not transmit ultraviolet rays, even if it is not darkened. Therefore, any glasses with glass spectacle lenses will protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. " It should be noted that this is absolutely wrong, since quartz is one of the most transparent materials in the UV range, and quartz cuvettes are widely used to study the spectral properties of substances in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum. Ibid: "Not all plastic spectacle lenses will protect against ultraviolet radiation." We can agree with this statement.
In order to finally clarify this issue, let us consider the light transmission of basic optical materials in the ultraviolet region. It is known that the optical properties of substances in the UV region of the spectrum differ significantly from those in the visible region. Characteristic feature is a decrease in transparency with decreasing wavelength, that is, an increase in the absorption coefficient of most materials that are transparent in the visible region. For example, ordinary (non-spectacle) mineral glass is transparent at wavelengths above 320 nm, while materials such as uviol glass, sapphire, magnesium fluoride, quartz, fluorite, lithium fluoride are transparent in the shorter wavelength region [TSE].
Rice. 3. Light transmission of spectacle lenses made of various materials
1 - crown glass; 2, 4 - polycarbonate; 3 - CR-39 with light stabilizer; 5 - CR-39 with UV absorber in polymer bulk
In order to understand the effectiveness of UV protection of various optical materials, let us turn to the spectral curves of light transmission of some of them. In fig. shows the light transmission in the wavelength range from 200 to 400 nm of five spectacle lenses made of various materials: mineral (crown) glass, CR-39 and polycarbonate. As can be seen from the graph (curve 1), most of the mineral eyeglass lenses made of crown glass, depending on the thickness in the center, begin to transmit ultraviolet light from wavelengths of 280-295 nm, reaching 80-90% of light transmission at a wavelength of 340 nm. At the border of the UV range (380 nm), the light absorption of mineral spectacle lenses is only 9% (see table).
|
Material |
Index |
Absorption |
| CR-39 - traditional plastics | ||
| CR-39 - with UV absorber | ||
| Crown glass | ||
| Trivex | ||
| Spectralite | ||
| Polyurethane | ||
| Polycarbonate | ||
| Hyper 1.60 | ||
| Hyper 1.66 |
This means that mineral eyeglass lenses made from conventional crown glass are not suitable for reliable protection from UV radiation, if no special additives are added to the glass batch. Crown glass eyeglass lenses can only be used as sunscreens after applying quality vacuum coatings.
The light transmission of CR-39 (curve 3) corresponds to the characteristics of traditional plastics that have been used for the production of spectacle lenses for many years. These spectacle lenses do not contain a large number of a light stabilizer that prevents photodegradation of the polymer under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric oxygen. Traditional eyeglass lenses made of CR-39 are transparent for UV radiation from 350 nm (curve 3), and their light absorption at the border of the UV range is 55% (see table).
We draw the attention of our readers how much better traditional plastics are in terms of UV protection compared to mineral glass.
If a special UV absorber is added to the composition of the reaction mixture, then the spectacle lens transmits radiation with a wavelength of 400 nm and is an excellent means of protection against ultraviolet radiation (curve 5). Spectacle lenses made of polycarbonate have high physical and mechanical properties, but in the absence of UV absorbers, they begin to transmit ultraviolet light at 290 nm (that is, similar to crown glass), reaching 86% of light transmission at the border of the UV region (curve 2), which makes them unsuitable for use as a means of UV protection. With the introduction of a UV absorber, spectacle lenses cut off ultraviolet radiation up to 380 nm (curve 4). Table 1 also shows the light transmission values of modern organic eyeglass lenses made of various materials - highly refractive and with average values of the refractive index. All of these spectacle lenses transmit light radiation, starting only from the border of the UV range - 380 nm, and reach 90% of light transmission at 400 nm.
It should be borne in mind that a number of characteristics of spectacle lenses and design features of frames affect the effectiveness of their use as UV protection means. The degree of protection increases with an increase in the area of spectacle lenses - for example, an eyeglass lens with an area of 13 cm2 provides 60-65% protection, and an area of 20 cm2 - 96% or even more. This is due to the reduction of side flare and the possibility of UV radiation entering the eyes due to diffraction at the edges of the spectacle lenses. An increase in the protective properties of glasses is also facilitated by the presence of side shields and wide temples, as well as the choice of a more curved frame, corresponding to the curvature of the face. You should be aware that the degree of protection decreases with increasing vertex distance, since the possibility of rays penetrating under the frame and, accordingly, getting them into the eyes increases.
Cutting edge
If the border of the ultraviolet region corresponds to a wavelength of 380 nm (that is, the light transmission at this wavelength is not more than 1%), then why are many branded sunglasses and spectacle lenses indicated with a cut to 400 nm? Some experts argue that this is a marketing technique, since providing protection from above minimum requirements buyers like it more, besides, the "round" number 400 is remembered better than 380. At the same time, data on potentially dangerous exposure light of the blue region of the visible spectrum on the eye, so some manufacturers have set a slightly larger border at 400 nm. However, you can rest assured that 380nm shielding will provide you with sufficient UV protection to meet today's standards.
I would like to believe that we have finally convinced everyone that ordinary mineral spectacle lenses, and even more so quartz glass, are significantly inferior to organic lenses in terms of the effectiveness of cutting off ultraviolet radiation.
Prepared by Olga Shcherbakova, Veko 7/2002
We bask in the sun and do not even think about the fact that at the moment our skin is undergoing processes aimed at protecting it from ultraviolet radiation. The skin constantly guards our interests, and it does not matter what it encounters, since it has a decent arsenal of tools that allow it to successfully cope with many dangers. It is about the ways of counteracting various stimuli, i.e. about the protective mechanisms of the skin, and will be discussed in this article.
The protective function of the skin is the leading one and has many mechanisms, since it must protect us from the effects of a different nature: mechanical, physical and chemical.
Protective mechanisms of the skin in the table
| Impact type | Skin defense mechanism |
|---|---|
| Pressure, impact, friction |
|
| Cold |
|
| Warmly |
|
| UV radiation |
|
| Chemical substances |
|
| Pathogenic microorganisms |
|
| Drying out |
|
Protection against physical influences: cold, heat, ultraviolet radiation.
Temperature regulation
In order to provide thermoregulation, the skin uses a complex mechanism. The receptors for cold and heat in the skin tell the brain about changes in temperature. The brain, in turn, mobilizes its own regulatory mechanisms in the skin. When exposed high temperatures both internally and externally, the skin reacts with vasodilation and intense perspiration, thereby achieving a cooling effect. When exposed low temperatures the blood vessels, on the contrary, are narrowed so that less heat is lost. Shivering and tapping of the teeth helps to improve blood flow and heat flow into the muscle tissue.
UV protection
0.4 percent of UVB rays reach the basal layer of the epidermis, which is at the border with the dermis. This process can cause sunburn, damage to genetic material and the development of skin cancer. With the help of free radicals, rays of this type will gradually program the skin for premature aging.
Ultraviolet A rays penetrate even deeper, reach the connective tissue of the dermis and provoke the development of various disorders. Infrared radiation is able to penetrate into the hypodermis - the last layer of the skin. Until now, nothing is known about its negative effect on the skin, since the research has not yet been completed. In addition, infrared radiation is actively used in the treatment of certain diseases, for example, for muscle pain, heart problems and rheumatism.
The skin is protected from exposure to harmful radiation in various ways:
Pigmentation
Special cells are responsible for skin pigmentation or sunburn. melanocytes which are formed in the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells produce the pigment melanin, which lining the cells of the upper layer of the epidermis protects them from exposure to sunlight, since it has the ability to scatter and absorb sunlight. In addition, melanin is an excellent helper in the fight against free radicals, as it is able to trap them.
Thickening of the stratum corneum
Under conditions of exposure to ultraviolet rays of type B, the process of cell division in the basal layer of the epidermis is accelerated, therefore a large number of cells reach the skin surface, which contributes to the thickening of the stratum corneum and the formation of a kind of "shield against sunlight". In addition, the stratum corneum of the epidermis contains a large amount of keratin which is capable of absorbing ultraviolet rays of type B. When the intensity of radiation decreases, the stratum corneum of the skin returns to its usual pattern of work, becomes thinner and more sensitive again.
However, despite the existence of some mechanisms of counteracting ultraviolet radiation, its excess can provoke the development of irreversible processes, namely skin cancer.
Protection against mechanical impact: pressure, shock, friction.
Depreciation
The second layer of the skin, the dermis, is made up of collagen and elastin fibers that give the skin strength and help it stretch. Thus, any short-term force effect, for example, a blow, will meet the resistance of these fibers, which have the ability to stretch and return to their original position. The mechanism will act like a spring, which will first be compressed and then straightened out. In this case, collagen fibers will stretch along the axis of tension, and elastin fibers will return the skin to its original position.
Thickening of the stratum corneum
Continuous pressure or friction on the skin creates conditions for the thickening of the stratum corneum. Point pressure on the skin causes it to grow outward in a cone, which, for example, occurs when a normal callus forms.
Fat cushions in the hypodermis
The body stores fat reserves in the hypodermis. They act as a pillow and help to deal with external shocks.
Water sac formation
When rubbed, the skin produces a tissue fluid between the outer layer of the skin and the layer of skin lining behind it. This forms a water sac, better known to us as a corn. Sometimes it happens that during friction, capillaries are also damaged, then the so-called blood callus is formed.
Protection against chemical attack: chemicals, allergens, pathogenic microorganisms.
To protect against chemical attack, the skin uses the body's ingenious defense systems, namely a hydrolipid film and epidermal fats.
Hydrolipid film
The surface of the skin is expelled by an invisible protective film. It is this emulsion of water and fat that protects the skin from the effects of bacteria and fungi. In addition, it allows the skin to remain supple. At the same time, various components are released in the hydrolipid film, which ensure that this protective mechanism is constantly updated and can continuously perform its functions. Thus, the main components of the hydrolipid film include:
- Fats from the sebaceous glands;
- Keratinized dead cells;
- Substances (protein breakdown products) resulting from the death of keratinocytes;
- Water that forms from the circulating blood and penetrates through the dermis into the epidermis, eventually evaporating from the skin surface (transepidermal water).
In healthy skin, everything is in balance, including the level of moisture and the amount of fat in the hydrolipid film, while the features of the hydrolipid film are genetically determined. In addition, the properties of this defense mechanism vary depending on the time of day, season, hormone levels in the body, age, hygiene habits, air humidity, nutrition, and a person's presence in various states (stress, illness).
The fatty part of the hydrolipid film is 90 percent composed of sebaceous glands, the distribution and production of which again depends on many factors. The skin of the face, the shoulder girdle and the areas of the sweat grooves have a large number of sebaceous glands, while there are a limited number of them on the limbs. In addition, the sebaceous glands work in full force in the cold season, namely in winter, and as they grow older. At the minimum of their capabilities, they work for the elderly. In addition, there are people whose skin naturally produces a small amount of fat. It should be noted that healthy skin is able to tolerate some fluctuations in the water-fat balance of the hydrolipid film.
Levelskin pH
An important feature of the hydrolipid film is its acidic environment, which is formed by the milk, amino acid and free fatty acid... Thus, the aqueous part of the hydrolipid film forms acid protective shell, the pH of which is approximately 5.5. This acidity level maintains healthy skin.
Some areas of our body, such as the armpits and genitals, have a mildly acidic pH (around 6.5). It is here that the "weak point" of the acidic protective shell is located, since in conditions of low acidity, these zones are susceptible to the influence of various pathogens and yeast fungi.
However, the fight against pathogenic microorganisms is not the only task of acidic protective film... It plays an important role in the formation of epidermal fats and the skin's own impervious skin. Some skin enzymes (ceramides), which are responsible for the formation of such lipids, are active only in an acidic environment.
Impenetrable skin screen
The surface of the skin is lined with the stratum corneum, which in turn consists of 20 layers layered on top of each other, with the main building material this layer are corneocytes. This is what allows the stratum corneum to perform a protective function, which is to prevent exposure to harmful substances and regulate the consumption and return of fluid by the epidermis.
Without the stratum corneum, we would lose up to 20 percent of fluid every day. Moreover, even the smallest damage to the skin implies replenishment of fluid loss. Regulation of the moisture level of the skin and maintaining its elasticity is possible due to the following mechanisms.
Human health is one of the main values of life. The ecological situation and physical processes taking place on Earth lead to a decrease in the ozone layer of the planet, which protects living organisms from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. The nature of this electromagnetic radiation is wave, and is classified by wavelength.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on humans and other organisms is enormous.
Depending on this range, they penetrate the ozone layer. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on humans and other organisms is enormous. It also depends on the activity of the sun, geographic location, altitude and climatic conditions.
In addition to the main source of the Sun, ultraviolet radiation occurs during gas welding, with some types of artificial lighting, in tanning salons. Protection from ultraviolet radiation is an important aspect for a living organism. Each of us knows from childhood that one cannot look at welding. Welders call it "catching a bunny", or the language of medicine, to get a retinal burn - electrophthalmia.
The same effect can occur for skiers and climbers in sunny weather, if they do not wear goggles and special equipment due to the reflection of sunlight from the surface of snow or ice.
Our health and UV radiation
Man and all living organisms are exposed to ultraviolet rays. There is nothing useless in nature, but the abuse of these natural resources is not beneficial, but rather harmful to health. The skin, hair, eyes, and the immune system are affected by radiation. Worldwide, the incidence of skin cancer (melanoma) is very high. As a result of ultraviolet radiation, people suffer from vision loss caused by cataracts.
UV overuse is not beneficial
The purpose of this article is to draw your attention to the problem, to outline its importance and methods of maintaining health, taking into account the climatic conditions that nature dictates to us. Learn to enjoy life, without harm to health, competent protection from ultraviolet radiation. In order to take care of oneself, a person needs to have information, so let's talk a little more about the dangers of UV exposure.
On the household and medical aspects of this problem. Ultraviolet, in small quantities, is needed by the body to produce vitamin D. Solar heat and light are necessary for all living things and with proper consumption, a person will be healthy and happy.
Causes of diseases with ultraviolet radiation
The first thing that loving parents do during the vacation period is to take out their beloved children to have a rest at sea. And there are already sunbathing until you drop, so that you can shine a tan at work in new fashionable glasses, and "heal" the kids in the sun. Without getting into the intricacies of the process, acclimatization, water change and other stresses, the maximum they do is use creams for the skin of the face and body, hide their hair under panamas and wear dubious quality, but beautiful sunglasses.
People get burns regardless of their dark complexion and skin color
You can sunbathe early in the morning and in the evening and for a very short time, what is the result? A tough test for the body. The first one is the skin. Many have seen people on the beach with burns of varying severity. Red backs and legs, skin peeling off like a snake shedding. People get burns regardless of their dark complexion and skin color.
The whole truth about tanning is that your body is fighting the effects of ultraviolet radiation. It produces pigment and its function is to reduce the access of radiation to the tissue. Close access for a deeper burn. A more severe degree is sunburn. In place of which, the skin is already more sensitive to the penetration of ultraviolet radiation. Some people suffer from photosensitivity, allergies to exposure to sunlight.
Under the influence of the sun, photoaging appears, the signs of which - wrinkles on the face, loss of elasticity, will not please tan lovers. And the most dangerous disease is skin cancer. Their nature is not fully understood, but it is confirmed that exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerates the process several times.
The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the organs of vision
Eyes need careful treatment
Anatomically, nature has protected humans from the harmful effects of sunlight. But this is not enough when the body is under the influence of ultraviolet radiation for a long time. The eyes, which occupy a small area on the face, are able to receive this effect deep into the body and especially need careful treatment. With an excess of UV radiation, diseases such as:
- electrophthalmia;
- photokeratitis;
- photoconjunctivitis
- pterygium;
- cataract;
- cancerous lesions of the eyes.
Cataract is one of the main causes of blindness in world practice. Ultraviolet radiation does not spare the eyes, therefore it is a person's responsibility to his health. Protection of the eyes from ultraviolet radiation is the main task. Therefore, it is necessary to use modern, high quality sunglasses.
Glasses are ideal in shape - they have a tight-fitting shape and maximally reduce the penetration of rays. Therefore, the selection of glasses must be approached very seriously and not save on your health.
Now there are special coatings and coatings on the lenses of glasses, these coatings are safe for the eyes and protect against the penetration of UV rays. On special alpine skiing and mountaineering equipment, the goggles are labeled UV-380 and UV-400, as the maximum protection against ultraviolet radiation.
It is necessary to use modern, high quality sunglasses
Security measures
You need to remember about safety rules. Do not look at the sun and snow-capped peaks without sunglasses, so that you do not receive first aid for electrophthalmia, which is very long and painful and will ruin your rest. Hair and skin of the face suffer from the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but these are rather cosmetic problems. They are eliminated with protective creams and shampoos designed to protect hair from UV exposure.
Hair unprotected with a headdress burns out, loses its elasticity, splits, and turns into a scorched dry washcloth. Therefore, if you are temporarily without a headgear, you need to intensify hair care. Now they produce shampoos to protect hair from ultraviolet radiation.
To protect the skin from burns, you need to use protective creams, observe the mode of going out into the open sun, wear clothes made from natural fabrics of light colors that reflect the sun's rays. Now they are developing new modern technologies to improve the reflectivity of the garment. Titanium dioxide is applied to clothing, and this chemical composition reduces the penetration of rays.
Are invented washing powders, supplements to which also reduce risks. On the verge of developing UV-coated automotive glass and windows for residential buildings. Science does not stand still, but a person should also value his health himself. Observe safety measures and the sun will bring you joy and smiles.
Hair and skin are affected by UV light
First aid
A person is so constructed that he does not think about his health while it is. A beautiful tanned body is presented to us as a symbol of health and sexuality. But if you make an excursion into the past, then all the nobility boasted of a white face, hid their hair under headdresses, they were more enlightened. If preventive measures did not help you, did not save you from a burn, you should be able to provide first aid to yourself. If a burn of the skin and face has already happened.
- Stop sun exposure, hide in the shade.
- If there is severe pain and the area of the blister from the burn is larger than the palm of your hand, you need to seek help from a doctor.
- Do not use anything other than burn products on the affected area!
- Take care of burns to the face and neck, especially in children, they can cause severe swelling and difficulty breathing.
- For minor burns, you can take a cool shower and lotions on your face, use moisturizers for your face and body.
- Until the burns heal, wear loose clothing from natural fabrics so as not to irritate the affected skin. Cover your head and hair from the sun.
To avoid eye burns with ultraviolet light, you must use glasses, visors, shields. Requirements for glasses are very high, beautiful and fashionable glasses do not mean high quality. Help with burns.
- Dark room (photophobia).
- Ice water lotions.
- Cool compresses from tea infusions.
- Artificial tear drops.
Let your rest and everyday life not be forced to provide assistance, observe the regime of relaxation in the sun and enjoy life.
- and what diseases it can cause
- children
- ... What dose is unsafe for the body?
- how does it affect a small organism?
K eye Chanel. An influential woman in all respects. Every word, gesture was caught by journalists and fans. According to legend, it was with her light hand tanning has become fashionable. Returning to Paris from a cruise on the Cote d'Azur, she appeared in front of journalists and fans ... with a tan. What was immediately picked up as a new trend. Well, the fashionistas of the 1920s can be understood, because getting a tan is easier than ever, and they stopped drinking vinegar in order to make their skin pale, and draw veins on their hands with a blue pencil.
Together with visible light and thermal energy of the sun, all inhabitants of the globe are affected by ultraviolet radiation (UV).
The World Health Organization has named UV carcinogenic to humans because its role in the development of the main types of skin cancer has been proven: basal cell carcinoma (basal cell carcinoma), squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
What is UV radiation
The UV spectrum covers wavelengths from 100 to 400 nm. Three parts of the spectrum are fundamentally different from each other:
- UV-C rays(length 100-280 nm) - the shortest and strongest in terms of impact - stops the natural barrier - the ozone layer (we will not dwell on them).
- UV-B rays(length 280-315 nm) - up to 90% absorbed by ozone, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide. The remaining 10%, affecting upper layer skin, contribute to the appearance of redness, burns.
- UV-A rays(length 315-400 nm) - are not subject to the atmosphere and, reaching unprotected skin, can cause damage to the skin, leading to photoaging, cancer, melanoma.
World programs for the prevention of skin cancer
What do we have today? By and large, only 3 countries in the world - Australia, Brazil and the United States - have launched large-scale educational campaigns for the prevention of skin cancer - in schools, media, workplaces, beaches ...
- In Brazil, even tattoo artists were given a course on the diagnosis of skin cancer and melanoma.
- Pragmatic Australians considered the damage done to the treasury by an excessive love of the sun. And we have developed a prevention campaign at the state level, starting with cartoons for the little ones. Since 1985
- The American Academy of Dermatology sponsors a national sun protection education program for schoolchildren annually - Sun Wise School Program. For 30 years, a special form of screening has been carried out - examination by a dermatologist only of those persons who independently found some changes in their skin, i.e. screening through the prism of personality self-awareness. As a result of public awareness and timely referral to dermatologists, 92% of newly diagnosed melanomas had a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. And this is almost a guarantor of healing. Melanoma cures - "Queen" of oncology!
Why is it so important on a global scale?
WHO claims: 4 out of 5 skin cancers are preventable because we can prevent much of the action of UV rays.
“A good cream is expensive,” is the first thing I often hear in consultation. "Most effective means you already have!" - I say and see eyes widening with surprise.
Effective UV treatments
1. Shadow
Shade - Just try to be in the shade during the hours of maximum solar activity! Plan your day, for example, using a mobile meteorological application that shows the UV index in real time: if it is> 3, use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. For example, in the standard iPhone Weather application, this index is on the last line of weather characteristics..
2. Clothes
Your clothes! Look at the photo: the shirt protects better than the most modern filters.
For clothes there is UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor - UV protection factor), which shows how many "units" of ultraviolet radiation will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 50 means that one unit in 50 will reach the skin.
As it was found out, blue and red colors garments provide better protection than white and yellow.
Protection of dense fabrics is even more effective. In addition, the dye is also important:
Natural white linen has a UPF 10; dyed with natural dyes dark color- UPF> 50, but synthetic dyes for flax do not add protective properties.
- Cotton:
Bleached cotton has UPF 4 (almost all factory whites); unbleached cotton dyed with natural dye (green, brown, beige) - 46-65 UPF.
Cotton loses its properties when wet - this is due to the weaving of threads - "holes" are formed through which water droplets are able to focus the sun's rays and cause burns. In general, experts say that the protective properties of flax are better than cotton.
Life hack: wash cotton with a liquid detergent - there is an optical brightener, which, with repeated washing, will only increase the level of protection due to settling on the fabric. I draw your attention to the fact that chlorine is not an optical brightener and only worsens protection.
What about silk? In addition to aesthetic and tactile pleasure, there is not much to count on: silk UPF = 0. But it gains a little strength when wet - it becomes denser, but not enough to rely on.
3. Headwear
To complement the image - ideal, according to scientists - a headdress - a hat with a brim of 3 inches (7.62 cm) - this will protect the face, ears and neck.
4. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are capable of providing up to 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. Pay attention to the markings:
- UV 400,
- General,
- High UV-protection,
- Blocks at least 80% UVB,
- 55% UVA (must be at least 50%) -
you can safely buy such glasses.
Alas, glasses can play a cruel joke if they turn out to be not sunglasses, but simply with tinted lenses - it is worth checking your glasses in optics for special equipment... If there are no protective filters, the pupil will be dilated and even more damaging rays will enter the eye than if you were without glasses.
By the way, the prices for sunglasses are quite affordable: a decent option can be purchased within 2,000 rubles.
5. Sunscreen
It’s just the turn of sunscreens.
2 mg / cm2- this amount of funds is recommended by manufacturers to apply to areas of the body uncovered by clothing every 2 hours being in the sun.
Apply, not rub in. This is essential for the formation of a continuous thick protective layer. How do we do it? Methodically, diligently rub the sunscreen from head to toe.
Important! When a high SPF cream is applied in a thin layer, UVA protection drops more than UVB protection.
Consider an example:
- Given: Height 170 cm, weight 60 kg. Calculate required amount cream (the body surface area under the swimsuit can be neglected).
- Solution: body surface area = √170x60 / 3600 = 1.68 m2 = 168,000 cm2 x 2 mg = 336,000 mg = 33.6 g
- Answer: 33.6 g. This is exactly how much you need to apply every 2 hours, staying in the open sun.
How much sunscreen do you need to apply?
Use the solar calculator from a non-profit Australian campaign to calculate the amount of cream you need for your individual needs based on clothing, footwear, height and weight. Simple and clear! http://www.sunsmart.com.au/suncreen-calculator/tool.asp
Or remember a simple algorithm: one teaspoon for each zone:
- for face, neck and ears
- for each limb
- for the front half of the body
- for the back half of the body
- Total - 7 teaspoons(about 35 ml) all over the body every 2 hours.
Sunscreen: myths and reality
Sunscreen is the most attractive product, how many myths are associated with it ...
Myth 1.
The higher the SPF, the better the protection!
Reality: SPF - sun protection factor - is nothing more than an indicator of the effectiveness of protection against B-rays. Protection against UVA - rays is marked separately or covered under Broad spectrum - a wide range of protection.
Super-High SPF (> 50) gives a false sense of security: there is no burn (UVB rays are blocked well), and the cumulative effect of UFA will be very dramatic in the long term - "senile or liver spots", sun allergies are flowers compared to skin cancer and melanoma.
So, since 2007, the US FDA has been fighting against overestimation on the SPF label, because:
- cream with SPF 15 already absorbs 93% of UVB rays
- with SPF 30 - 97%
- with SPF 50 - 98%
Moreover, such a giant as Procter & Gamble signed up to the fact that it is practically IMPOSSIBLE in reality to comply with all the test conditions in order to get the number indicated on the label‼ Thank you for your honesty. In the SPF 100 test, "horns and legs" remained - only 37 - that's how much the manufacturer should indicate on the packaging, if it's frank!
Myth 2.
Water resistance
Reality: Salt water rinses off the cream for 40 minutes! Unless otherwise indicated on the label. Look for an indication of the time, for example: Water resistant 80 minutes.
Myth 3.
Substances with an anti-inflammatory effect in the composition are good:
- licorice extract
- chamomile
- allantoin, etc.
Reality: their effect (reduce pain, redness) can persist for more than 6 hours after application! One just wants to soak up a little longer under the sun - and this is already a threat of abuse of the sun.
Myth 4.
Physical filters - zinc and titanium oxides - are harmful to the skin
Reality: The FDA and European regulators have verified that nanoparticles do not penetrate the skin.
Their pluses:
- have a good balance between protection against two types of UV
- due to an inert coating, they do not react with the formation of free radicals when exposed to UV
- but when combined with Avobenzone (the best UFA filter), they reduce the effectiveness of its protection
Their cons:
Back in 2006, titanium dioxide was recognized as a carcinogen - a substance that can cause a malignant process. Large doses of it can be obtained by inhaling sunscreen sprays with systematic use. In addition, the sprays do not meet the application requirements: it is difficult to apply them in a uniform and thick layer, therefore I do not recommend this form for use.
Myth 5.
Chemical filters - the best and most modern
Reality: many of them negatively affect the endocrine system
Anti-rating of chemical filters in sunscreens
1. Oxybenzone- found in 70% of sunscreens. It was originally patented as being able to reduce redness after sunburn. But:
- estrogen-like action, associated with endometriosis
- alters thyroid hormones
- high risk of allergies
- in animal experiments shows hormone-like activity in reproductive system and thyroid gland
- allergy risk
3. Homosalate
- damages estrogens, androgens, progesterone
- its decay products are toxic
The above chemical filters found in breast milk lactating women who have used sunscreen.
In 2010, Margaret Schlumpf of the University of Zurich identified at least 1 cream “chemical” in 85% of milk samples from Swiss mothers. How this affects the child's body is still unknown to medical science. And will the answer to this question be found if the same titanium dioxide, recognized as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is considered "suspicious" by Rospotrebnadzor, which does not prevent it from being one of the most popular dyes in the confectionery industry - E171 (M & Ms, Skittles, etc. ). Based on the totality of factors affecting health, it is almost impossible to single out a specific "culprit" in the onset of the disease in a child. Therefore, it is so important to adhere to the principles healthy way life is complex.
Remember the best chemical filters in sunscreens
1. Avobenzone Is the best UFA filter available today! Unstable in sunlight if Octisalate is not included in the cream
2. Mexoryl SX- good protection against UFA, stable. Safe.
Excipients in sunscreens
Excipients can contribute to the reaction to sunscreen, so we read the composition of the cream:
- Methylisothiazolinone, or MI, preservative - "Allergen of the Year 2013" by the American Society of Contact Dermatitis.
- Vitamin A(retinol palmitate) - accelerates the development of skin tumors and other diseases when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to postpone cosmetic procedures with vitamin A to the evening to avoid a reaction to direct exposure to the sun. Norwegian health authorities warn against the use of vitamin A products in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Vitamins A, C and E, which are often added to cream are unstable when heated and stored for a long time. This means that we save any cream from direct sunlight and do not store it until next summer.
Some of the tools that have received the best ratings from American experts available in Russia:
- Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face SPF 50
- COOLA product line
- COOLA Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Moisturizer, SPF 50
- COOLA Suncare Sport Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
- COOLA Suncare Sport Tint Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
- Neutrogena product line
- Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 30
"Healthy tan"
Research on sunscreens is still ongoing.
Remember that "healthy tanning" as well as "healthy" does not exist.
Sunburn is a protective reaction of the skin to the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation, and the best and safest protection is shade and clothing.
Useful: you can check your sunscreen at http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen