Written by: Harati Adhikari
Summer is a great time to go out and spend countless hours in the fresh air and sunlight. However, with such activities, most of us can forget to use sun protection products, and that can result in numerous skin problems. These issues arise when the sun’s rays come into contact with the skin’s surface and damage DNA.
There are two types of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun that reach the Earth’s surface. They each have different characteristics that differentiate them from one another.
UVA Rays
UVA rays are made up of wavelengths that are about 320- 400 nanometers long.
These rays are responsible for skin photoaging (wrinkles, the loss of elasticity, sagging, and more)
Tanning salon beds emit UVA rays at extremely high rates
UVA rays are slightly less intense than UVB but can surely go through your skin’s surface more deeply. This exposure causes genetic damage in skin cells, which can increase premature aging
These rays are linked to skin cancer development
To prevent further damage, the body responds by creating the pigment melanin, which has an estimated SPF of 1-4
UVB Rays
UVB rays are made up of wavelengths that are about 280-320 nanometers long.
These rays damage the outermost layers of your skin, leading to burns and blisters
These rays contribute to skin cancer development, just like UVA rays
Every sunscreen has an SPF number which tells you how protective the sunscreen is against UVB rays. The higher the SPF number is, the longer amount of time it takes for the skin to burn if the sunscreen is used optimally
The intensity of UVB rays is not limited to just the summertime; these rays, similar to UVA rays, appear year-long with varying levels of intensity. In fact, snow and ice conditions are examples of when UVB and UVA rays can reflect and come in contact with skin
Similarly to UVA rays, UVB rays produce melanin to attempt to counteract UV damage
The melanin in one’s skin absorbs the rays as much as possible. With that being said, melanin does not have a high SPF factor and cannot protect one from the harmful impacts of UVA and UVB rays
How to best protect yourself from the Sun
Try wearing sunscreen that has an SPF factor of at least 30
Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF or an SPF PA label to be sure that your sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays, For more information on sunscreens, visit our Sunscreen Bottle Basics article
Try to avoid sun exposure between peak hours of 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
If you notice an abnormal change in your skin, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, as it could be a sign of skin cancer.
Apply sunscreen before going out. Reapplication is very important, so try to reapply about every 2 hours, especially if you are outdoors.
Wear UPF clothing
Avoid the sun’s UV radiation unprotected as much as possible; this process is important even when you stay at home because rays can penetrate through windows.
References:
Image Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)“Sun Safety.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sun-safety. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.
“UV Radiation.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2 July 2019, https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.
“What Is the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?” University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, 2 July 2016, https://uihc.org/health-topics/what-difference-between-uva-and-uvb-rays. Accessed 11 Aug. 2022.
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