We are all scared of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Actually the UV radiation contains various types of rays of which we commonly know the UVA and UVB rays. The effects of these rays on our skin are different from each other.
Earth’s Wisdom today wants to let readers know more about the differences between UVA and UVB rays, their effect on skin and what can be done to reduce UV damage.
UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic energy. There are natural sources of UV rays, like sunlight, and also, artificial sources like black lights, lasers and tanning beds.
However, the most significant source of UV rays is the sun. UV rays are formed from a nuclear reaction taking place at the sun’s core, and the radiation travels to the earth through the sun’s rays.
UV rays are categorized on the basis of their wavelength: UVA rays have the longest wavelength, UVB rays have medium wavelength and the UVC have shortest wavelength.
Here are a few important points to remember about UVA rays and what effects they have on skin:
Here are some important points to remember about UVB rays and what effects they have on skin:
You should protect your skin from sun’s rays so as to keep it healthy, especially if you will be going out in the sun for a prolonged time. Here are a few tips.
Use sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. Such a sunscreen can block UVA as well as UVB rays.
More protection is provided by a higher sun protection factor (SPF). But note that no sunscreen can offer 100% protection from UV rays. It’s recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to use a sunscreen having SPF 30 or more.
Clothes made from tightly-woven dry fabrics can protect from UV damage.
Avoid direct sunlight by staying in shade. This should be essentially done from 10 AM to 4 PM when UV rays are stronger.
A wide-brimmed hat can offer protection to your skin on ears and neck, while sunglasses can protect your eyes.
When it comes to vitamin D, AAD recommends to take it from a healthy diet containing foods that have vitamin D, e.g. fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna, egg yolks, maitake mushrooms etc. rather than exposing yourself to sunlight.
Remember these points while going out in the sun next time and protect your skin.
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