LucaSunscreen.com Explains the Importance of Protecting Against UVA Rays

    WANDO, SC, January 24, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many people happily apply sunscreen, assuming they are fully protected against skin cancer and the aging effects of the sun. Unfortunately, many of these products may be causing more cancer and skin damage than they prevent.

"Unless your sunscreen or makeup states that it is 'broad spectrum' or has a stated critical wavelength(R) value over 370nm, you are 'cooking' yourself with solar aging and cancer producing UVA rays and don't even know it," says Dr. Karl Gruber of LucaSunscreen.com. "UVB rays are well known as the cause of sunburn; less known, however, is the strong association of UVA rays with both solar aging and melanoma."

Since UVA rays were initially thought to be harmless, the existing SPF system only rates the level of UVB protection while providing no information about the level of UVA protection. Recognizing the need for a minimum level of UVA protection, the FDA now requires that all sunscreens and sun protection products labeled as "broad spectrum" achieve a critical wavelength(R) value of at least 370nm. This represents a huge, but initial, step forward.

The critical wavelength value is essential to consumers concerned about solar aging and skin cancer; 'broad spectrum' in itself is insufficient. The higher the critical wavelength(R) the better: 370nm is the minimum. Critical wavelength(R) is a laboratory measurement that tells us how far out into the UVA range a product's protective umbrella extends - it currently represents the gold standard for rating the level of UVA protection. The link between UVA exposure and melanoma is irrefutable and given the massive increase in incidences of melanoma in a lifetime from 1:1900 in 1970 to 1:64 today, it is essential for consumers to search out products that offer superior UVA protection. All Luca sun protection products display their critical wavelength(R) value on their labeling.

For more information about LUCA and optimal sun protective strategies or to schedule an interview with Dr. Gruber, contact LUCA Products at (843) 856-3336 or email [email protected].

Website: www.lucasunscreen.com

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