The two types of ultra-violet rays emanating from the sun that injure the skin are UVA and UVB.  The latter causes sunburn and can ultimately cause skin cancer.  UVA rays are responsible for what the dermatologists call “photoaging”.  These rays zip right through the outer layers of the skin and into the dermis and deeper layers, where they damage the structural proteins (elastin and collagen) that make skin tough and durable.  This accelerates the natural aging of the skin, causing wrinkles and a leathery texture.  Skin coloration is also greatly changed by photoaging.  Melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, become hyperactive and dump a lot of melanin unevenly into the basal layer. 

This leads to unsightly sun freckles, age spots, and the stained, dirty, or murky look of photoaged skin. 

There is now available on the market a product that contains 10% glycolic acid, hydroquinone, and kojic acid, each a powerful pigment fader in its own right.  When combined in the same preparation, they act synergistically to greatly enhance the fading of age spots, freckles, and other skin blemishes.  The best way to explain a synergistic action is this: Instead of one plus one plus one equal to three, it is equal to six, or eight, or 21. 

Sunlight accounts for 90% of the damage the skin suffers from environmental factors - and that means daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.  If it contains titanium dioxide, it will protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.  How and when it is applied is also very important.  “Sunscreen needs to be applied in the morning, before you leave your home”, Dr. Duke, a local dermatologist, advises.  “If you wait until you get to the beach or canyon or golf course, you’ve already gotten some exposure.  Applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you leave gives it time to absorb into your skin”, he said. 

K L. Perrins is a Registered Pharmacist with over 40 years experience and creator of Desert Bloom products. Visit his website at www.desert-bloom.net 

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