It is well known that one of the biggest causes of damage to our skin is from exposure to the sun.

Sun can and does cause considerable skin damage and results in what often appears as premature aging in many people.

Shriveled up looking skin, lines, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, bags under eyes are all not only the effects of the passing years but in many cases the result of lying too long in the damaging heat of the sun. How many years whilst on holiday or whenever, have we all been guilty of that?

That golden tan that you will get from lying out in the sun will not be permanent but more likely so is the damage that it creates to your skin structure. You should consider other alternatives such as the range of quality ‘fake’ tanning creams and lotions, there are many available.

That is a much safer way to achieve that tanned look that you desire without the negative side effects of skin damage.

It is certainly true that some exposure to the sun is necessary for good health but only a moderate amount is required and a good SPF sun protection cream needs to be applied to the skin at all times when outside in sunny conditions.

There is no safe way for you to get yourself a suntan.

The ultraviolet light from the sun comes in three varieties;

UVC ultraviolet-C dangerous but absorbed by the ozone layer. This is potentially the most damaging form of light but is mostly absorbed in the atmosphere. However, with all the talk of the “thinning of the ozone layer”, who knows if we are still being protected as well as we used to be.

UVB ultraviolet-B most damaging effects on the skin as well as providing a good source of Vitamin D. The most dangerous as it is responsible for burning. It is most dangerous at mid-day when the sun is highest but around 2.30 to 3 pm the sun starts to go down and becomes less dangerous.

We should emulate those who live in warmer climes who avoid strong sunshine in the middle of the day.

UVA ultraviolet-A is responsible for the sun’s ageing effects, and could have even more serious effects on the skin, so be aware. A deep penetrating light and is linked with the extrinsic ageing of the skin. It is said to be responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin the skin’s main support structure.

This form of light is constant throughout the day and it is therefore advisable to protect your skin by wearing a good quality sun block with UVA protection everyday, applying it about a quarter of an hour before going out. UVA rays can cause damage even on a cloudy day!

Wear a hat and sunglasses wherever possible to protect your skin and a good moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated at all times. It is not difficult now to find cosmetic products that already include a good quality sunblock in their ingredients.

As well as over exposure to the sun, smoking is another main factor responsible for causing premature aging of the skin. Many smokers will find that eventually their skin looks pallid and grey, old, tired, unhealthy and wrinkled.

Wrinkles will form around the lips of smokers from the action of sucking on cigarettes over a long term on a regular basis and it is common for smokers to have more frown lines due to the fact that they often have to squint to look through the smoke haze that they expel in front of and into their eyes.

It is easy to see why smokers can look much older than their years!

With commercial cleaning products there is always a flip side. The more efficient, concentrated, and faster they get, the more toxic chemicals they bring into your home and the environment. More and more people want to do their part and choose greener products in order to avoid the dangers of cleaning products but are not everyone is willing to go completely crunchy and make their household cleaners with vinegar and baking soda. Green cleaning products are available in grocery stores and online. All we need to know is which ingredient are the most toxic and should not be in what we purchase – visit site.

Why Clean Green
Before starting with the list of chemicals to avoid and the dangers cleaning products, let’s start by ‘why’ one should want to Clean Green:

• Avoid Unhealthy Air: Did you know that the air quality in your home is 2X – 5X worse than the air outside? People with allergies and asthma can probably confirm that. Traditional commercial cleaners are in large part responsible for that toxicity in the air. When you use household cleaning products, a process called ‘out-gassing’ occurs and very toxic fumes escapes the products, which makes the air you breathe in you home toxic.
• Stop Supergerms: Darwin has proven it, living organisms evolve, adapt to their environment. So exposing germs to antibacterial soap will create resistant germs, or Supergerms, that are very difficult to eliminate when truly needed. Another down side to antibacterial products is that they kill all micro-organisms, with no distinction, which means they also destroy ‘good’ bacteria that actually help your body keep bad bugs in check.
• Reduce Waste: Too many cleaning products are becoming single-use, meaning more manufacturing and more shipping and therefore the augmentation of air pollution caused by delivery trucks. Outside air pollution is responsible for many environmental problems such as acid rain, haze, ozone depletion, and forest damage.

Of course going green is a lot broader than household cleaners. But for the purpose of this article, we will focus on the dangers of cleaning products. Basically, how to clean green.

How to Clean Green
So below is brief list of the most dangerous chemicals that are too often found in household cleaning products:

1. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is known as a carcinogen and an allergen that can irritate your eyes, mucous membranes and the respiratory system. It can also cause headaches, rashes, hives, dizziness, nausea, and chronic fatigue. Longer exposure can also cause: heart palpitations, ear infections, trouble sleeping, memory loss, concentration issues, depression, weakness, migraines, abdominal pain, aching joints and muscles, and difficulty breathing. Formaldehyde is unfortunately found in hundreds of products such as air fresheners, furniture polish, laundry stain removers and fabric softener.
2. Sodium Hypochlorite: Sodium Hypochlorite is corrosive to skin and the lining of nose mouth and throat. Its fumes are irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. It is harmful or lethal if swallowed. Very toxic gas is formed when mixed with ammonia. Sodium Hypochlorite is found in chlorine bleach, all-purpose and bathroom cleaners. Every day, an average of 109 calls is received by Poison Control Centers in the U.S. regarding Sodium Hypochlorite exposure.
3. Ammonia: Ammonia fumes can irritate eyes and lungs. It can also cause burns or rashes on skin. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach and can be lethal. Ammonia can lead to eye damage and temporary or permanent blindness. Very toxic gas is formed when mixed with sodium hypochlorite. Ammonia can be found in all-purpose cleaners as well as glass, porcelain, stainless steel and over cleaners.

Reducing the amount of toxic chemicals in your household cleaners is a small but essential step towards a greener living. Take the time to at least find products that are bleach, ammonia and formaldehyde free.