Unexpected places where you can get UV damage

Adrianna Mejia

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Unexpected places where you can get UV damage
You’re not 100% protected from UV radiation even if you stay indoors

MANILA, Philippines – Once in a while, getting some sun is good for you.

However, we all know that sun exposure has consequences on our skin. The changing climate has increased the risk of our exposure to harmful UV radiation today.

 

What most people don’t know is that the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can still continue while you are indoors. Even using gadgets like laptops and smartphones may contribute to skin darkening, wrinkles, and even lead to long-term diseases like skin cancer.

You owe it your self to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Know the basics of UV damage – and learn how to stay protected at all times.

UV radiation and skin damage

There are three kinds of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA penetrates the skin more deeply and can pass through glass windows. It severely damages the DNA of skin cells and causes long-term problems such as wrinkles or sagging skin. It plays a big role in skin cancer development.

UVB causes sunburn and is blocked by most glass windows. This type of UV ray is absorbed mostly by the epidermis or outer layer of the skin, yet also contributes to the development of skin cancer.

UVC is considered as the worst type of UV, but unlike the other two types it is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach our atmosphere.

Our skin has a natural defense against UV rays: melanocytes or pigment cells. These cells produce more melanin as a way to protect our skin from UV radiation. However, some studies suggest that melanin production also does harm to skin DNA, leading to problems like increased signs of aging, dark spots, or even worse, skin cancer.

Skin darkening and UV damage: it can happen where you least expect it

Nowadays, we can never play too safe when it comes to staying protected from UV radiation.

Skin-harming scenarios can happen even if you’re not a sun worshipper. For example, a study conducted by a Yale University scientist suggests that hours after being exposed to the sun, its after-affects can still linger on, even if you’ve already moved indoors. Another study supports this claim, stating that severe sun damage could also affect the DNA in melanocytes that lead to carcinogenic effects.

SUN DAMAGE INDOORS. Yes, you can still be affected by the harmful effects of UV radiation while indoors  

Therefore, staying indoors or under a shade does not mean you are 100% protected from harmful UV rays.

Now, here are some more examples of unexpected places and situations where you can still be prone to skin darkening and UV damage.

While using your electronic devices

Did you know that just like the sun, gadgets and laptop screens also emit harmful electromagnetic radiation or EMR? The pulsing energy from digital screens can be as dangerous as UV rays. Prolonged exposure has been linked to several harmful diseases, including cancer.

To block EMR rays, use a laptop shield. Try to limit the use of your electronic devices. Though flat LCD screens generally emit less EMR compared to old computer monitors, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Staying beside windows

Even if your are indoors on a cloudy day, UV radiation can still reach you and darken your skin. Again, glass windows do not fully block UVA rays. Exposure to indirect sunlight does not mean your skin won’t be susceptible to damage.

Indoor lights

One study shows that compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs may also cause skin damage. The amount of UV radiation it emits is attributed to how it is designed: its small diameter and compact design allows more UV light to escape. Standard fluorescent bulbs may emit a low amount of UV radiation, but it can contribute to cumulative UV damage on the skin.

Inside your car

Car windows do not fully protect you from UVA rays. Typically, windshields are laminated and tinted to block out UVA rays, but the side and rear windows are not. To prevent skin damage, have your car checked and make sure that all windows are covered with UV-protective film.

Protect and love your skin

If you put on heaps of sunblock during a beach trip, you should also consider staying protected on a normal day, even if you expect to stay mostly indoors. Experts recommend the daily use of sunscreen or skin care products with at least SPF 15, wearing clothing with SPF, and having windows tinted to block UVA rays. As an added precaution, stay away from sun as much as possible, especially when the sun’s rays are most damaging (typically from 10 am to 4 pm).

In order to help your skin retain its elasticity, moisture, and to keep it blemish free, the key is to take good care of it as a early as possible. It’s better to start being protected before it’s too late. – Rappler.com 

Watch out for the opening of the Pond’s Institute pop-up store this February. For more information, check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/PondsPhilippines

Learn more about skincare, address your every beauty concern, and future-proof your skin with the help of #TheSkinExpert. Watch out for the opening of the flagship Pond’s Institute Manila, where skin experts will be at your service to help you tackle your most pressing skin issues and, most importantly, enable you to resolve them.

 

 

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