Usage of proper skin protection can eliminate or significantly reduce premature aging, skin cancer, skin damage and discoloration of the skin showing up as “age spots” and freckles. Before and after your laser treatment it is imperative that you wear sunblock to reduce adverse effects from your treatment.
Below is beneficial information and commonly used terminology when selecting which Sunblock or Sunscreen to use.
UVA – aging, tanning rays; long wave UV rays absorbed by the dermis. These are the most damaging rays. It has the longest wave, which go the deepest and destroy the collagen in the dermis
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UVA rays are the deepest penetrating and found in tanning booths. The deep penetration gives the most golden brown tan, but is also the most damaging. This is a slow reacting ray. This is why it takes about an hour to get a sunburn with this light. It is deep reacting sunburn that leaves a reddish-blue color and eventually a deep tan.

UVB – burning rays; middle wave UV rays
UVB rays are the rays we are exposed to at the beach. This wavelength is shorter than UVA and has less penetration, which reacts within 20-30 minutes of exposure. UVB causes a moderate tan.

UVC – short wave UV rays
UVC rays are found at high altitudes and are also used in germicidal lamps. Since they come from so high up, they are filtered out by the ozone layer. However, at higher altitudes or in areas with less ozone protection, penetration can occur. These very short UVC rays don’t penetrate deeply but hey cause a quick reaction. You can get a burn from 30 seconds of exposure with these lamps/rays. This would result in a beet-red erythematous reaction. UVC causes very little tan.

Sunblock and Sunscreen – What’s the Difference?

Sunscreens either absorb or reflect the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredients that provide sunscreen protection is titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (preferred by those with rosacea).
• Sun block – blocks the suns rays; no burn or tan. Sun blocks build up a reservoir. Therefore use a sun block daily for 5 days prior to a sunny trip.
• Sunscreen – screens the suns rays; absorb or reflect UV rays; skin will not burn, but will tan.

• Titanium Dioxide (titanium) is used in almost every sunblock because of its refractive index and its resistance to discoloration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. It is also water resistant.
• Zinc Oxide (zinc) is used in sunscreens and sunblocks for the prevention of sunburn due to its ability to absorb all UV radiation. It is insoluble in water.
SPF = Sun Protection Factor
SPF10 = 1hour
SPF 15 = 1.5 hours
SPF 30 = 3 hours

Sweating and swimming require repeated applications. It is best to avoid being in the sun from 10am-3pm as this is when the suns rays are the most potent.

Self-Tanners
Self-tanning crèmes/lotions formulated with dihydroxyacetone. This ingredient reacts with the proteins on the skin, turning them darker.