HEALTHY SKIN BEGINS WITH PROTECTION

For healthier, younger looking skin, get smart about sun protection. Refer to the following questions and answers regarding UV exposure, the number one cause of premature aging and skin cancer. Provided for your convenience by Obagi Nu-Derm System, the creators of Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35. At Obagi, we work from the inside out-protecting skin at the cellular level to fight back against sun exposure and aging.

What Are the effects of Sun Exposure

Repeated exposure to the sun causes photodamage, which not only produces the discomfort of sunburn, but also accelerates the aging process. Because sun exposure damages elastin fibers in the skin, it causes the skin to sag, wrinkle and become leathery. This damage occurs deep within the cellular level of the skin and the aging effects become worse with additional exposure. What's more, sun exposure is directly linked to skin cancer, the number one form of cancer in the United States, affecting over 1 million people every year.

UVA AND UVB RAYS?

Both UVA and UVB rays are linked to wrinkles and skin cancer. UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layer-they are most intense when the sun is high and during the hot summer months. These rays mostly impact the surface of the skin and cause burning. UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer-they hit the earth with almost equal intensity all day long, all year round. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and damage the skin's support structure, resulting in premature aging.

Is incidental sun exposure DANGEROUS?

Yes it is. In fact, most of your lifetime sun exposure is incidental-a result of gardening, walking, driving and other day-to-day outdoor activities. To minimize incidental exposure, wear daily sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays, such as Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35. It's also a good idea to wear a wide-brim hat, seek or create shade, and limit your time in the strong, midday sun.

What affects the intesity of UV radiation?

The amount of ultraviolet radiation exposure depends on many factors, including the time of day, season, altitude, reflection and cloud cover. You can check your local weather channel or newspaper for daily UV intensity forecasts. Always remember that maximum exposure to UV rays occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the intensity of UV radiation is much greater in summer. Still it is important to use sunscreen all day, all year long. Since UV radiation increases with elevation, there is 20% more UV radiation at an average ski resort than at sea level. Also be aware that reflected UV rays are just as harmful as direct ones-snow reflects 85% of UV radiation, sand and concrete 25%, and water up to 100%. And don't let the clouds fool you-a thin cloud cover only reduces UV radiation by 20-40%. With that said, protection is the best way to reduce your risks.

BEFORE	AFTER 18 WEEKS
Before	After 18 Weeks
Before	After 18 Weeks