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 Video,
Articles, and Daily News are all added frequently to
taosplaza.com.
These are drawn from several key
sources
plus other
sources & contributors. All Video and Articles first appear in
the 'Top Stories' section, then to the 'Leading Stories' section, and
then to the 'More
News' section. Following that each video or article can best be found
within Categories. So If you're not interested in Global or US news at
the time
but want to see info on Solar Power or Earthships or the Environment,
or look at a comedy video, just scroll down to the
Category with what you're looking for. With the new taosplaza.com you
can find interesting video, articles, and news in many ways. Other very
good ways to find pieces posted on taosplaza.com are to use the
'Archive' or 'Search features. Wherever you are on Planet Earth,
taosplaza.com is about 'turning you on'
to ideas and information that will give you some perspective in these
interesting times. Watch it unfold before your eyes.
J.
R. Ransom,
Publisher, October, 2008
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Stay Beautiful in the Sun |
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Contributed by J. R. Ransom
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 Fun in the Sun Sunny days are here again, and the sun is too hot to handle! While during winters, the sunshine is warming and even healthy, during summers it simply wreaks havoc on our skin and health. Latest scientific research has shown that in the longer run, excessive exposure to the sun can cause worse problems like premature aging of skin, skin cancer, discoloration, appearance of moles, freckles and pigmentation.
Effects of UV Rays
Harmful UVA and UVB that reach Earth's surface contribute to the serious skin and health problems. UVA rays effect the skin in the form of tanning/darkening. If not taken care this tan turns into pigmentation. UV rays cause wrinkling of skin, which means premature aging. It is the single most important factor in skin aging. Harmful UV rays can cause skin cancer known as Melanoma, which is the fifth most common cause of cancer in men and sixth most in women
Tan Trouble
A tan is the skin's simplest response to ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. It is also the simplest of sun-induced sun damage. Yes tan is a form of skin damage! The UVA component of the UV radiation is mainly responsible for triggering The pigment forming cells, called melancytes. These melanocytes produce pigment called 'melanin' that determines the skin color and protects the skin. The production of melanin gets aggravated when directly exposed to the sun, which rises near the outer skin thus making the skin look darker in color.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) means the amount of UVB prodection that a sunscreen provides. SPF numbers tell aperson how kmuch longer he/she can stay in the sun without burning while wearing sunscreen as opposed to not wearing any sun protection. For example, if you skin usually burns in 10 minutes without any type of sun protection, then an SPF of 15 means that one can stay in the sun 15 times longer (approx. two and a half hours) unitl it begins to burn. In order to get the full protection time from the sunscreen one must reapply throughout the day as it can wear off because of sweating and rubbing
Choosing
the Right Sun Screen
There are many factors to take into consideration
when deciding which sunscreen to buy and use. The most critical being:
UVA and UVB Protection: Buy sunscreens that will provide
'full spectrum
or broad spectrum" UVA and UVB protection. This can guarantee
protection from both the damaging rays including the UVA rays that
cause tanning/darkening.
Sweat and
Waterproof: Buy sunscreens
which are both waterproof and sweat proof as these sunscreens tend to
stay longer on the skin.
Time of Day:
UV rays are stringest between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Use high SPF
sunblocks during this time of day.
Geographical
Location: As the higher incidence of UV rays is higher in
high
altitudes (mountaineous areas like Taos) and low latitudes near the
equator or the tropics, these regions require extremely high UV
protection. A higher than usual SPF product should be bought and used
while you are there. |
Application of Sunscreen
Before applying sun block cream/lotion, was face with a face wash having sun protection factor. Apply the sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours.
Be Sun-Safe
- Protect the skin by using sun protecting lotions or creams
largely known as sunscreens or sunblocks
- Choose a minimum sun protection factor of 15. For places
like Taos with intense UV rays, a high SPF and UVA protection is
recommended.
- Choose a broad-spectrum water proof or sweat proof
sunscreen.
- Apply the sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going
outdoors.
- Reapply frequently especially after swimming, rubbing with
towel or sweating profusely. Even apply on ears, feet, arms and back of
your neck.
- Apply lip balm with a minimum SPF to your lips.
- Wear protective clothing to cover exposed skin areas. A
wide brimmed hat, sunglasses with 100 percent UVA protection, and
umbrella are extra protection in addition to sunscreen.
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