Proof of premature aging due to unprotected sun exposure

PROOF OF PREMATURE AGING DUE TO SUN EXPOSURE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

Sun damage produces most of the skin changes that people commonly associate with aging. Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is responsible for fine and coarse wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, brown and red spots, and the rough texture of sun-exposed skin.

Sun emits UV radiation

UVB radiation is the sun's burning ray and has an immediate, harmful impact on skin. Damage from UVB rays takes place within the very first minute (yes, 60 seconds) of walking outside.

UVA rays are the sun's aging rays. You don't feel them but they are the primary cause of skin cancer, wrinkles, and a weakened immune system.
Penetrate much deeper in the skin till the dermis where the collagen and elastic tissue are present, they break down collagen and elastic and thus causing wrinkling.

In a recent study discussed in the December 2009 edition of the Archives of Dermatology, it was proven that smoking and unprotected sun exposures are the two main causes of premature aging.
Twin study identifies factors associated with skin aging

ScienceDaily (2009-12-22) -- Smoking, being heavier, not using sunscreen and having had skin cancer appear to be associated with sun damage and aging of skin on the face, according to a report based on a study of twins. ... > read full article

FACTS ABOUT SUN PROTECTION
 There is no such thing as a safe tan, whether it is from the sun or a tanning booth.
 Even on a cloudy or hazy day, the sun's rays are present.
 UVA rays can get through windows. Normal glass doesn’t protect skin from UVA damage.

What you can do to protect yourself by sun damage?

Wear a broad spectrum (provides full both UVA and UVB protection sunscreen 365 years a day.
For whether the sunscreen is broad spectrum you have to check the active ingredient list ,UVA protection depends on the active ingredients in the product you are using so be sure one or more of following active ingredients should be in the active ingriedient list:

zinc oxide
titanium dioxide
avobenzone (which may also be listed as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane)

Mexoryl SX (ecamsule)

What SPF numbers tell?

SPF is important, but it is only a measurement of sunburn (UVB) rays.
An SPF 10 filters out about 85% of UVB rays; an SPF 15 stops about 95%; and an SPF 30 stops about 97%. An SPF that's higher than 30 does not provide any more UV protection, it just offers more time that you can stay in the sun without burning. Even if you choose to wear a higher SPF product, you still need to reapply after swimming or perspiring to ensure continued protection.

As a general rule it is best to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and to spread over and into the uppermost layers of skin.

Recognized sunscreens by canadian dermatology association are as follow.

Aveeno BabySunblock Lotion SPF 55
Aveeno Active Naturals Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
Aveeno Active Naturals Sunblock Lotion SPF 45
Aveeno Active Naturals Sunblock Lotion SPF 55
Aveeno Active Naturals Sunscreen Lotion Face SPF 60
Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Sunscreen Lotion Face SPF 60

Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free Sunblock UVA & UVB SPF 50
Banana Boat Kids Tear Free Sunblock UVA & UVB SPF 50
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen SPF 15
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen SPF 50

Coppertone General Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60
Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense SPF 30
Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense SPF 60
Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense Face SPF 60
Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60

Exact Cooling and Refreshing Clear Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 45