We all know about UV rays and the harm it does to our skin. The ultraviolet light beats down on our skin and is a major cause of skin cancer which is why we know that being protected with sunscreen wipes and other products is a must. But let’s get a little deeper into what UV light are rather than the typical “it’s bad for your skin” response.
Once you understand the science of ultraviolet rays you’ll probably think twice about tanning directly under the sun and try to look for other better and safer solutions.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The picture above shows that the wavelength of visible light is between 400 to 780 nm and we see that ultraviolet rays is just below the level of visible light. This means that we cannot see UV light.
UV Light
The ultraviolet section is classified into 3 different types: UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
UVA light has a wavelength of 315 to 400 nm, UVB from 280 to 315 nm, and UVC from 200 to 280 nm. One important thing to note is that the shorter the wavelength the more dangerous it is to us.
Thankfully, there are defensive gases on the earth that absorb all of the UVC and some of the UVA and UVB light. However, the problem is the remaining UVA and UVB rays that fall to the earth’s surface.
UVA and UVB rays are also much stronger between 10am and 2pm and it doesn’t matter whether it is cloudy or not. That’s what I thought and I never bothered to protect myself with sunscreen wipes, but after reading up on it, I realized it was because I couldn’t see the light. Remember, UV light exists everywhere. We just can not see it.
Impact of UVA and UVB rays on Skin
How does all this talk on ultraviolet light affect our skin?
Well, these rays damage the cells of our skin when exposed to the sun. Damaged cells either die or is restored by our own repair system. Depending on the extent of the damage done, these un-repairable dead cells turn to skin cancer.
What are UVB Rays?
When we lay down at the beach during summer, UVB is a cause for sunburn. Although UVB rays do not penetrate the skin as deep as UVA rays, it still carries a huge amount of energy. This was the reason early sunscreen products contained a UVB filter.
Research suggests that “UVB rays cause a distinctive genetic mutation that permits unabated cell growth, giving rise to cancer (Everyday Health).”
However, UVB light cannot penetrate glass so there’s no risk of sunburn when you sit in a car or next to a window.
What are UVA Rays?
Compared to UVB light, 10 to 100 times more UVA rays reach to the earth. So when standing in the sun, you are exposed to more UVA than UVB. Even though UVA rays carry less energy than UVB rays, it penetrates the skin deeper and the probability of causing skin cancer is higher.
UVA light is also the cause of skin aging. Furthermore, it penetrates glass. So be protected when in the car as well.
———————————————————————-
If you enjoyed this article and would like to receive more information on self tanning, sunscreen wipes and the best facial masks please consider subscribing for free via RSS or Email. No spam mail - ever!
Not sure what RSS is? Then watch this short clip.
Related posts:
- Tanning Beds Not so Safe Welcome! Don't forget to visit the VANYA Store for sheet...
- UV Light and Sun Tanning. Good or Bad? Welcome! Don't forget to visit the VANYA Store for sheet...
- Skin Protection with Best Sunscreen Towelettes Welcome! Don't forget to visit the VANYA Store for sheet...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
0 Comments For This Post
13 Trackbacks For This Post
May 28th, 2009 at 1:51 am
[...] subject to sun damage regardless of whether it is sunny, rainy, snowing or even cloudy (40-50% of UV rays still penetrate clouds and reach the earth’s [...]
May 31st, 2009 at 2:34 am
[...] a previous article on UV rays and sun tanning we looked at the science behind UV rays and whether sun tanning is [...]
June 10th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
[...] evenly on your body, or alternatively it is an upright tanning bed, which uses bulbs to shoot out UV A rays to provide the [...]
June 18th, 2009 at 1:51 am
[...] subject to sebum, sweat and UV rays in hot weather, especially in the summer. Hot temperatures and UV rays combined together is a cause of skin aging, dehydration of skin and enlarging pores all at the same [...]
June 25th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
[...] skin and freckles are due to UV rays. As I mentioned in previous articles, regardless of the weather, UV rays exist all the time. So [...]
July 12th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
[...] when skin problems start to occur for many people as the temperature, moisture and strength of the UV rays changes, that people think about their [...]
August 11th, 2009 at 12:25 am
[...] the RSS feed or through Email for updates on facial masks and face skin care related topics.Direct exposure to UV light or the usage of tanning machines to get a tan isn’t a smart option. As cases of skin cases [...]
August 14th, 2009 at 2:00 am
[...] Email for updates on facial masks and face skin care related topics.Every minute you are exposed to strong UV rays, your skin is affected. For every increase of 34 degrees F or 1℃ increase, the level of sebum [...]
August 19th, 2009 at 1:09 am
[...] number of enemies that prevent us from having beautiful skin. A few of the main ones are stress, UV rays, constipation, unhealthy foods, lack of sleep but the list goes on. It’s hard to pinpoint the [...]
August 21st, 2009 at 11:09 pm
[...] sunscreen with and SPF of 60 does not make it twice as effective in blocking UV rays than SPF30 [...]
September 10th, 2009 at 2:59 am
[...] towelettes came whenever I was always burnt after a day out in the sun. I have very fair skin and direct exposure to UV rays means red sore and flaky skin. I could never get a [...]
September 29th, 2009 at 1:45 am
[...] much I should be thankful for the sun since I’m in a place constantly under a grey sky but UVA still exists and penetrates the skin during cloudy and rainy days. But it’s real easy to [...]
October 7th, 2009 at 1:30 am
[...] about UV rays and why you should protect [...]
Leave a Reply