![Sun Rays Diagram](https://cintaaveda.careercolleges.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sun_Rays_Diagram.svg_-380x400.png)

The Summer is almost over and we’re heading into Winter. Why do I need to worry about Sun protection?

The sun exposes us to two different types of radiation:

- UVA (Aging Rays) 
    - Makes up most of our UV ray exposure
    - Longer wavelength, which means it penetrates deeper into the skin
    - Main ray for tanning and aging
- UVB (Burning Rays) 
    - Can burn year-round
    - Shorter wavelength, which means more visible damage to skin
    - Main ray for sunburns, redness, and skin cancer

The Effects of Sun Damage

- Fine lines/wrinkles
- Dark spots/uneven skin tone
- Sun burns
- Darkens acne spots and prolongs fading
- Skin cancer and melanoma

When choosing a sunscreen, consider the following:

- **Physical:** Deflects/ blocks rays from the skin and is very stable. This type of sunscreen usually leaves a white cast over skin. Ingredients to look for in a physical sunscreen are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
- **Chemical:** Absorbs rays to prevent penetration, generally stable though some chemical sunscreens are not, and usually does not leave white cast over skin. Ingredients to look for in a chemical sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, helioplex, mexoryl, uvinul, homosalate, octisalate, and octylcrylene.
- **Mixture:** Mix of both physical and chemical sunscreens and leaves minimal white cast. Ingredients to look for in a mixture of both would be a combination of either type of sunscreen.

How much SPF is appropriate?

- Make sure to apply a sunscreen with the SPF of at least 30!
- Make sure to apply enough! At least ¼ teaspoon for face and neck and about 1 ounce for body
- Reapply often. UV rays are the strongest from 12 pm to 4 pm. Make sure to reapply every two hours.