Reading time: 3 minThe skin or cutis represents the largest component of our covering system or integumentary system, consequently representing our first form of interface and our first means of defense against atmospheric agents, first and foremost the sun.
But what ultimately happens when we expose ourselves to sunlight?
Before we can answer, it is very important to simply describe what sunlight is made of.
There sunlight It is composed of cosmic rays, gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation (divided into UVA, UVB and UVC), infrared radiation and radiofrequency radiation, which travel through space in the form of electromagnetic waves and are differentiated on the basis of their wavelength.
How many of these make up the portion that reaches the Earth's surface?
Visible light accounts for 40% of the radiation reaching the earth, infrared for 55%, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation for 5%, which in turn consists primarily of 99% UVA and 1% UVB (UVC is blocked by the ozone layer). These percentages can vary depending on various factors, such as the sun's height in the sky (time of day, season, latitude), altitude, cloud cover, wind, geographic region, reflective surfaces, and the portion of the visible sky.
To sum up, the 2 main radiations we come into contact with in the context of sun exposure are: UVA and UVB.
What differentiates UVA from UVB?
The GRAPE They come into contact with humans, reaching the second layer of the skin, the dermis. Passing through the epidermis, UVA rays cause direct pigmentation due to the maturation of melanin already present in the cells. They then reach the dermis, where they disperse and are absorbed.
The UVB, however, only come into contact with humans in very small quantities, settling in the epidermal layer where they stimulate the production of new melanin by melanocytes (the cells responsible for this function). However, because they transport a large amount of energy, they can cause skin problems, such as erythema and, above all, photoaging.
Is it possible to reverse the damage caused by UVB?
Yes, there are several substances that the body can use to control/counterbalance damage:
The entire pool of substances involved in the response chain to oxidative stress is certainly essential, simply Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Glutathione, Phenylalanine, Methionine, Selenium and vitamin B10 or (PABA).
Why is it important that they act in a chain?
The protective action manifests itself with a chain mechanism, that is, generally the first responses can be provided by the vitamin E and/or from vitamin A (fat-soluble substances deposited at the level of the cellular membranes constituting the first front of the defensive response) which in turn render the free radical harmless, becoming in turn potentially harmful species, then the vitamin C which undergoes a similar fate and is in turn processed by glutathione, a molecule which can then be regenerated thanks to enzymatic reactions in the cell.
There vitamin A It can also be taken in the form of its precursor, the beta-carotene, which in addition to being biologically active already in this form gives rise to two molecules of vitamin A.
Glutathione, the substance that closes the loop, is very difficult to take orally because it would too easily undergo digestive and denaturing processes in the stomach and upper intestinal tract, thus being lost.
Using instead its main precursor (the deficiency of which would limit the production by the body): N-Acetylcysteine together with the Selenium, essential in its metabolism, it will be possible to promote full efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to supporting the oxidative stress response mechanisms, it is very important to support the production of melanin, this can be done through a correct supply of L-Phenylalanine, an essential amino acid (not producible by the body) at the basis of the melanin synthesis processes and PABA as a promoting agent of the synthesis processes involving the L-Phenylalanine.
In addition to all these forms of “metabolic” support, is there also a form of “structural” support?
Yes, structural support can be provided by promoting the production of collagen, which constitutes a sort of structural "scaffolding" even at the skin level.
Among the various substances studied, marine collagen hydrolysate appears to provide the most favorable results. Like all collagen hydrolysates, it provides both "building material" and a stimulus for construction. However, compared to those of bovine or porcine origin, marine collagen, according to some authors, appears to have superior performance at the skin level.
Once the causes are understood and the tools available are understood, a multifactorial intervention will be possible, aimed at fully protecting and supporting the largest organ in our body!
