Rosacea and sun exposure

Aug 25, 2010

Rosacea and Sun Damage To Skin

It’s summertime! – Time for fun in the sun! Whether you’re planning to hit the beach, the golf course, or just soak up some of those summer rays, do take care against the damaging effects of the sun. However lovely a sunny day can be, the largest source of skin damage is ultraviolet light, consisting of UVA and UVB rays.

UVA Rays:

Are present all day and all year round.
Do not cause visible damage such as sunburn, but penetrate deep into the skin to the dermis breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers.
Damage blood vessels causing weakening of the skin, which in turn weaken the body’s natural defenses against infections like acne and cancer.
Signs of UVA damage typically show up years later, but the effect is cumulative.

UVB rays:

Cause sunburn, freckles, liver spots and other surface skin damage.
UVB rays are strongest in the summer between 10 am and 3 pm.

UV Rays and Rosacea

As you and your fellow Rosacea sufferers are aware, the sun is probably the number 1 trigger of flare-ups. Obviously the best thing do to is stay out of the sun as much as possible, but that’s not always feasible, and isn’t much fun either!

When you can, wear light, loose clothing, and a hat with a good size brim. Rosacea sufferers should definitely use sunscreen; at minimum a moisturizer with SPF 15. But since people with Rosacea have such sensitive skin, you are better off using physical sunscreens as opposed to chemical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals such as benzophenone or oxybenzone, and prevent sunburn by absorbing the UVB rays, but often cause redness and sensitivity to rosacea sufferers. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide, sodium chloride, magnesium stearate, iron oxide and sulfur. They prevent sunburn by reflecting the UVA and UVB rays away from the skin. They tend not to be skin irritants.

Sunscreen/SPF

The most important thing to remember about sunscreen is that you can never use too much! Clothing, water and perspiration can make it wear off. Although it may seem a little tedious, you should apply it every hour, and each time after you go in the water – your skin will thank you! Some people are unaware that sunscreen has an expiry date. Be sure to check that, and get a new bottle if it has expired. When applying, remember those often forgotten areas – the nose, ears, back of hands, and tops of feet.