Its spectrum is strong enough to bypass the top layers of skin and damage the deeper layers know as the dermis. It is predominantly these rays that cause skin to prematurely age.

UVA rays mostly come through when the sun is at an angle generally between 8am – 10am and 2pm – 6pm. These rays become magnified when cloudy or overcast and when reflecting through glass such as when driving or near windows.

UVB Rays (known as the ‘burning’ rays)

are a form of radiation that has a great deal of immediate visible effect. Unlike UVA rays its spectrum isn’t strong enough to travel into the deeper layers of skin therefore most of the damage is done on the superficial layers taking the form of sunburns, pealing, swelling, pigmentation and browning of the skin. UVB rays are most predominant when the sun is directly shining down between 10am -2pm.

SkinDNA™ Designated Descriptors

Gene s600851 & s600852

Melanin Production

Involved in the production of Melanin. A process important for protecting the skin against the sun.

Gene s600623

UV Repair

Repairs genetic damage caused by UV exposure.

Gene s600442 & s600443

Photo Defense

Functions in breaking down DNA photoproducts.

Gene s600931

UV Radical Protection

Responsible for repairing DNA mutations caused by 8-oxo- G radicals.

Symptoms of sun damage include: texture changes (coarse wrinkling and yellow discoloration), blood vessel changes (broken capillaries and Telangiectasias), pigment changes (age spots, brown spots, freckling), skin bumps (Kerasotes) and skin cancer. Sun damage can take years to surface often when the damage is too late.

“Your genes play an important role in determining how well your skin can naturally cope under the strains of the sun.”

Consistently preventing damage to skin caused by the sun’s UV rays should be the single most important aspect of your skin care strategy. Proper UV protection may not only help prevent photoaging and further damage to the skin but can also facilitate the reversal of some of the existing signs of aging.