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Sunscreen, We May Need It

© Larshal Veronica Vance

As summertime approaches you begin to hear a lot about sunscreen. Now as African Americans we have sort of a natural barrier from the harmful effects of the sun. The darker you are the more of a barrier you have. But, if you have lighter skin, sunscreen is something you may have to concern yourself with.

There are two kinds of sunscreens out there. There are physical sunscreens that block UV rays because they are dense and/or reflect rays. And chemical sunscreens, blocks UV rays by absorbing UV energy sparing your DNA (http://www.sfsu.edu/~shs/skinclinic/suns... What causes the problems all centered on that ball of fire in the sky called the sun and the UV rays that comes from it.

They are different levels of UV rays. These rays can be broken down into three types (Siget-Maier, 2001):

UVC waves- these are measured between 290 and 200 namometer which can cause the most damage but are absorbed by atmospheric gases before they reached the earth’s surface.

UVB waves- these are measured between 320 and 290 nanometers, which burn the upper, most layer of the skin which causes sunburn.

UVA waves- these are measured between 400 and 320 nanometers which penetrates the skin further and can destroy the collagen matrix.

Since the sun will be shining it rays on our skin pretty soon it is important to know what sunscreen is.

The most important aspect of sunscreen is SPF, which means sun protection factor. And the level you should use is depends on how fast you burn. An article in the June 2001 issue of Harvard Health Letter shows an example of how it works. “If skin reddens in 10 minutes without sunscreen, it will redness in 150 minutes when protected by an SPF-15 sunscreen and in 300 minutes with an SPF-30 sunscreen.” (Harvard Health Letter, 2001)

So to end this article on a high note, go out and enjoy the summertime. Just be aware of the damage that the sun can do.

Organizations that will give you information about sun care

1-The American Sun Protection Association 1670 Pierce Street Denver CO 80214 Phone (303) 239-3555 Fax (303) 239-3521

2-Environmental Health Center 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 1200 Washington DC 20036 Phone- (202) 293-2270 Fax (202) 293-0032

Sources

Siegel-Maier, Karyn. “Made in the shade.” Better Nutrition June 2001 63(6): 32+

“Sunscreen.” SFSU Student Health Services 2002 April 21 http://www.sfsu.edu/~shs/skinclinic/suns...

“What to look for in a sunscreen.” Harvard Health Letter June 2001 26(8): 1+

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