A floating ball of gas that is at the center of our solar system, this star is one of the most important energy sources for our planet.The mass of the Sun is approximately 330,000 times greater than that of Earth. One of the most beautiful events that we are blessed to see every day is a sunset. A rush of colors that flood the sky with many shades of vivid color.
But as beautiful and giving as the sun may be, we must remember that too much of any good thing, can become a bad thing. As you can see from the photo above, the suns rays are always reaching Earth’s surface, supplying energy to anything and everything they touch. Our skin can react with this energy in a negative way, causing deep damage to your body’s natural armor: your skin. This damage can add up to cancer forming cells that have the ability to spread. Highly curable and relatively common, skin cancer is a a byproduct of over exposure to these different rays. If left untreated, these cancer cell have the ability to spread throughout the body affecting many different areas, and can lead to death.
The 3 Types of Sun Radiation
UVA - Aging
Most of us are exposed to large amounts of UVA throughout our lifetime. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging) since 1979. UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. (Basal and squamous cells are types of keratinocytes). UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers. [1]
UVB - BurnING
UVB is the main cause of skin reddening and sunburns. A sunburn is a result of severe damage to the outer most layer of the skin, the epidermis. The skin normally works hard to protect and regenerate itself, but burns are too much for it to handle. The skin becomes too damaged for your body to repair, and it must shed it. The peeling that follows a burn is your skin getting rid of the skin that is too damaged to be repaired.
Infrared (IR)
While UV radiation is the most commonly discussed, it only makes up a tiny 6.8% of total solar radiation. The majority of radiation emitted from the sun is Infrared Radiation, the rays reaching deeper below the skin’s surface than UV rays.
Click here to read our full blog post explaining solar radiation
How can you protect yourself from the most harmful effects?
Harken Derm’s two step solution
PROTECT
Harken Derm SPF 50 All Mineral Sunscreen protects against all forms of solar radiation and is a full spectrum formula. It is a complete shield to give you peace of mind, while enjoying all your outdoor activities! Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the #1 and #2 rated filters worldwide, and are the only two filters considered GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) by the FDA. Furthermore, the active botanical complex helps to prevent free radical damage and hydrate the skin. Harken Derm Sunscreen is one of the few sunscreens on the market that checks every box for maximum quality and coverage.
Max SPF
80 min water resistant
All Mineral Filters
Antioxidant infused
REPAIR
Studies prove the oxidative damage continues for hours after you leave the sun. Harken Derm Daily After Sun Skin Repair Lotion was formulated with you in mind.
This lightweight, clinically proven antioxidant complex is necessary to stop the damage and restore your skin’s health after a day in the sun.
Each antioxidant was selected to deliver maximum results to repair, replenish, and rejuvenate your skin. Botanically infused, to ensure the antioxidant start working the moment they hit your skin!
