Your skin happens to be one of the most sensitive external organs. This makes it susceptible to damage caused by the harmful UV radiation from the sun. Whether you love spending quality time on the beach or work outdoors for prolonged hours, it’s imperative to secure your skin from harmful solar radiation. Even 15 minutes of sun exposure can adversely affect your skin.
In this post, we will explore the impact of different types of UV rays on the skin. This includes UVA, UVB, and UVC. UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation of solar energy. Let’s check out each type of UV radiation and know what type of damage they tend to do to our skin.
UVA rays
UVA accounts for 95% of the solar radiation that reaches us from space. The wavelengths are higher, and the energy level of UVA is lower as compared to other UV radiations. However, the penetrative power of UVA is higher than that of UVB. This implies that they tend to affect your skin more adversely and deeper. This way, they inflict indirect damage to your DNA.
Exposure to UVA might result in premature aging of your skin. You might notice wrinkles on your skin, and prolonged exposure can lead to skin cancer. The ozone layer doesn’t absorb UVA, and the radiation can cause immediate tanning.
UVB rays
Unlike UVA, UVB often gets absorbed or filtered by the ozone layer. However, the depleting ozone layer is a worrying element, that exposes you to these harmful radiations. The wavelength of this radiation is shorter, and they carry higher energy levels. They inflict direct damage to your DNA, affecting the outer layers of your skin.
Most types of skin cancer are caused by UVB exposure. Besides, they cause the skin to wrinkle. Overexposure to these rays can cause sunburns. However, these rays cannot penetrate windows. In most cases, the cloud and the ozone layer filter these rays.
UVC rays
Among the three types of UV radiations, UVC is the shortest wavelength. This defines its damage potential, as they are more direct. However, the good news is that UVC cannot get through the atmosphere of the earth. Although it is the most dangerous radiation, it doesn’t pose a direct threat to your skin. The ozone layer absorbs most of the UBC rays.
However, you cannot possibly overlook some inorganic sources of these rays. Improper handling can cause skin damage due to exposure. For instance, mercury lamps, welding torches, and germicidal UV-C lighting can damage your skin with this type of radiation.
Protecting yourself from harmful UV exposure
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen happens to be the best solution for protecting yourself from the adverse impact of UV rays. Depending on your skin type and level of exposure, you can choose a sunscreen with an SPF level ranging between 15 and 50, or even higher.
UVA and UVB are two of the most adverse types of solar radiation affecting your skin. Therefore, it makes sense to protect your skin when you remain outdoors. Get a quality sunscreen lotion or cream to protect your skin. This way, you can prevent premature aging, skin cancer, and other types of skin damage.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this sheet is gathered from reliable and well published sources to the best of our knowledge, information, and belief on the date of its collation, release and is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. Information is supplied upon the presumption that the receivers will make their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Vinner Labs, or its group companies or any company bearing Vinner logo, be responsible for damage of any nature what so ever resulting from use of or upon reliance of the information.