The environment can be both healthy and toxic to life, which in turn affects our well-being. In this section, I discuss the impacts of Ultraviolet Radiation and other toxins in ways in which it can harm us, and how we can protect ourselves from it.

“UV rays are not the same as Sun Rays” I often find myself repeating it to my clients. The effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the skin, and whether to expose, guard, prolong or protect our skin have consequences. A cloudy day with a very low temperature can expose high amounts of UV rays. Though, a clear day and a sunny day with a high temperature can expose low and high amounts of UV rays. The best way to tell would be to check for the UV index online for a clear scale, which would be between 0 to beyond 12 being the higher strengths. This way we distinguish the need for skin protection. Basically speaking, we need protection when the rays reach scale number 3/4, and we need to shield ourselves when numbers go beyond 5/6, and we must remove ourselves completely from the rays when they reach beyond 7/8. Due to the threat of toxic atmosphere UV rays can become detrimental to our skin. Although, it does depend on various skin types for the levels of protection required. Thickness, sensitivity, melanin, and even medications and ingredients being administered can impact these effects.

Other than UV, there are other risks of toxicity to life. This includes our biological safety, which poses potential risks with increased exposure/ingestion of volume, quantity, dosage, and concentration of toxins. This can result in things like chemical toxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer development – but it has to be in extreme dosages to have an effect. Continuation of oxidative stress (OS) from acceleration and overproduction of free radicals can surmount in OS-damaged cells [see mitochondria theory]. Internally generated sources versus externally generated sources include industrial chemicals; air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, fried food, stress, X-rays, and the ozone. As well as, bodily inflammation, certain drugs, pesticides, industrial solvents, radiation, and sugar. Even psychological, social stress and spiritual stress can be seen as types of toxins.

One women’s story involves her experience with a rejuvenating treatment because she had negative effects from UV damage on her skin. It impacted her unknowingly after realising the UV protection needed, and the development of skin conditions namely sun spots, sun flakes, actinic keratosis and basal carcinoma. This resulted in expensive procedures with continued treatment throughout her life. Once damage occurs, overtly or covertly, it can take time to heal or prolong ill health.

By thinking about toxin safety, it could help a great deal. The measure we use in the beauty industry would be to concentrate on ageing safely. One way in doing so would be to protect our skin by using sunscreen, which has been proven to protect against cancer due to the ultraviolet absorbing substances increasing free radicals (Free radical theory of ageing, 1956). Moreover, there have been debates about ecological safety from sunscreen washing off into the oceans, but it has been stated that the concentration levels of SPF are too low to have an effect on sea life. So in terms of protecting ourselves from toxins, if we lessen or rid our exposure to them then the less of a detrimental effect they should have on us. Therefore, keep away or keep protected. Use sunscreens physically with clothing or chemically with sun protector factors (SPF) with a broad spectrum that can offer protection again ageing and burning (UVA and UVB), but see if the packaging presents UK star ratings or the international UV symbol – to ensure that you are using reputable products. But know that no SPF can fully block all of UV, and should you apply it to your skin then know that application time varies for the product to penetrate the skin & create a shield barrier. It’s to be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and requires an application of 30 ml for your full body and 5 ml for your face, neck and chest.

Other ways of protecting ourselves can be seen as receiving help with administering safe amounts of antioxidants. As this can prevent the oxidation of other toxic molecules/substances from occurring further. Most importantly, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, protect yourself in more ways than one -physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

It’s about feeling lovely!

Sara Sedaghat

Declaration: Sara yields her progressive thought process with her specific learning differences and/or whilst venturing with scientific validity for the intention of supporting the client’s wellbeing.