Thomas Leveritt, a photographer, took to the streets of New York, and using a filter camera videoed people under UV light. This allowed people to see quite blatantly the sun damage or hidden blemishes on their face, not visible to the human eye. He then asked them to apply sunscreen, and what they saw was astonishing. The sun screen immediately absorbed the rays before they reached the skin, and appeared through the camera as a thick black paste. Have a look for yourself:
An article published in Slate (link below) was very informative regarding this project and the dangers and benefits of high energy UV light. There are three types - the most harmful, UVC, has the highest amount of energy capable of killing cells, fortunately, this is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. UVB is also absorbed by the atmosphere, but some passes through; in small doses this aids vitamin D production in the skin which is also very important for calcium absorption in bone, but in high doses breaks down vitamin A in the skin, potentially causing cancer. UVA is the least dangerous, however long term exposure has demonstrated a link to cancer and the breakdown of collagen, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and age. For any of you beauty addicts, it's considered a must in your skincare routines to include a face SPF (be it within your moisturiser or your make-up) to slow down the ageing effects of the sun.
I personally think that the video above sends a powerful message and visually demonstrates the impact that sunscreen can have on protecting your skin; never before have I seen this particular message conveyed in this way. So, just make sure that if not for health, but for vanity, an SPF containing product is included into your daily routine!
Read this feature in Slate Magazine here!
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