What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation (also known us UV Radiation) are part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that are characterized as wavelengths of UVA, UVB, and UVC. The wavelengths that cause conditions such as premature aging and skin cancer are UVA and UVB while UVC is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.
How does UV Radiation affect our skin?
The UV radiation damages the skin's cellular DNA but in large amounts however, it can lead to genetic mutations that become cancerous.
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UVA - Ultraviolet A
UVB - Ultraviolet B
- UVA rays account for 95% of the UV radiation reaching Earth's surface
- Relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year and they can penetrate clouds and glass
- Depending on time of year, UVA can be 30-50 times more prevalent than UVB, meaning we are exposed to large doses of it throughout our life
- Can penetrate into deeper layers of skin
- May initiate development of skin cancers
- Causes us to tan
UVB - Ultraviolet B
- Tends to damage the superficial epidermal layers
- Causes of skin reddening and sun burn
- Key role in the development of skin cancers and it contributes to photo aging and tanning
- Intensity varies on time and year; It's significant from 10 AM to 4PM from April to October
- Can burn and damage skin year around, especially on high altitudes and reflective surfaces such as snow
- Reflective surfaces can reflect back up to 80% of the rays so that they hit the skin twice
In the Long Run!
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When exposed to a lot of UV radiation, effects include:
- Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Cancers
- Premature aging
- Eye conditions such as Cataracts
- UV suppresses the immune system
- Keratosis and Photodermatosis