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The Difference Between UVA & UVB Rays
I'm sure somewhere along your journey through life, you've heard about the dangers of the sun. The truth is that ultraviolent (UV) rays emitted from the sun can be extremely harmful to your skin if the proper precautions are not taken during exposure. There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB rays. This article will thoroughly explain the differences between the two, as well as the ways to help protect your skin from their harmful properties.
All You Need to Know About UVA Rays
UVA rays make up the majority of the suns UV light. Unfortunately, humans are almost never safe from these rays as they can pass through windows, windshields, and even some light clothing. Basically, anytime you are outdoors your skin is being exposed to UVA rays.
Although UVA rays are less likely to cause severe sunburn and skin cancer, these rays do play a large role in the breakdown of elastin, thus making them directly responsible for aging. Basically, UVA rays are the driving force behind wrinkles in the skin. Excessive and prolonged exposure to UVA rays breaks down and cracks the collagen and elastin of our skin, which in turn causes wrinkles. 75% of our skin is made of collagen, the protein of skin, cartilage, bones, tendons and other connective tissues in our body. UVA rays are capable of penetrating the skin deeper than UVB rays. After excessive exposure to them, the skin (collagen and elastin) looses elasticity and the ability to resume its shape after stretching which is why wrinkles occur. Outside of aging and leathery skin, UVA rays are also known to exacerbate the negative effects of UVB rays and can directly cause some forms of skin cancer, including melanoma.
UVA rays are the primary rays used in tanning beds and salons. In moderation, UVA rays can help your body produce its own vitamin D, and vitamin D is important for protecting against certain cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other diseases.
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UVA rays are classified as having a wavelength between 320-400 nanometers (billionths of a meter).
All You Need to Know About UVB Rays
UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Although they have the nickname of "tanning ray", they are more intense and carcinogenic than UVA rays. Fortunately these rays cannot pass through glass and clothes.
UVB rays are known to directly contribute and cause Basal and Squamous cell carcinomas and Melanoma (skin cancers). These rays stimulate the melanocyte cells located on the bottom layer of skin. When these cells are stimulated they produce melanin, which is the brown pigment of a suntan. This is the skin's natural defense against harmful ultraviolet rays. However, when overexposure occurs, the rays can mutate skin cells causing sunburn, blistering, scarring, moles, and in severe cases, skin cancer!
UVB rays are classified as having a wavelength between 290-320 nanometers.
What Can You Do?
The best remedies to help combat the negative effects of UV rays are to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, protect your eyes with 100% UVA / UVB protection sunglasses and most importantly:
ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN!
