A Quick Look at How Ultra Violet Radiations Affect Skin Health
The sun’s Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) has long been ascertained as a leading cause of skin cancer for people who stay exposed to the sun much too frequently. Although the levels of UV radiation is not associated with high levels of heat and humidity, such conditions make people wear less clothing as protection against UVR.
Getting exposed to UVR for too long can also cause skin aging to accelerate at a faster pace, which in time could also lead to skin cancer and other skin disorders. Some cases of damaged ocular systems have also been linked to long term exposure to UVR.
Although human skin also needs energy emanating from the sun;s rays as these are beneficial to the body’s immune system in combatting the effects of inflammatory skin diseases and in naturally promoting Vitamin D production. Exposure however, should be minimal and aided with some kind of protection to block penetration into the skin’s inner dermis.
Know the Three Types of Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is solar energy released by the sun in wavelengths measuring about 100-400 nanometers (nm).
There are three types of ultraviolet radiation distinguished according to wavelengths, namely: Ultraviolet A(UVA), Ultraviolet B (UVB), and Ultraviolet C (UVC).
Ultraviolet A (UVA)
The UVA is the long wavelength variant, which accounts for 95% of the UVR passing through the Earth’s atmosphere. Even though UVA has the ability to penetrate the skin, it has lower energy compared to UVB. Nonetheless, it can still impact the skin’s natural aging process and can cause skin cancer through oxidative injury and sunburn due to frequent and long periods of exposure.
Ultraviolet B (UVB)
UVB is a medium wavelength UVR that is supposed to pass through the atmosphere’s filtering system. Yet since the Earth’s protective ozone layer has been damaged by harmful Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), much of the UVB radiated by the sun are able to reach the Earth’s surface.
Unlike UVA, UVB has high energy levels that have the capability to damage the epidermal cell DNA. Although it still promotes melanin production to increase protection against UV ray exposure, extended exposure to UVB heightens the risks of sunburn and skin cancer disorders.
Ultraviolet C (UVC)
Ultraviolet C radiation or UVC is the short-wavelength rays that the atmosphere absorbs and therefore no longer capable of reaching the Earth’s surface. So far, we should be thankful that the atmosphere absorbs UVC rays since they have higher energy levels than UVB radiations; denoting that their capability to damage human skin can cause severe damages even by sunburn.
Highlighting the Importance of Sunscreen as Protection Against UVR
Wearing or applying sunscreen is a very important step to protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun Bear in mind however, that sunscreen’s alone is not enough. Additional steps such as walking under shades, avoiding long periods of sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing can diminish the risks of skin damages caused by UVRs.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, quality-tested sunscreens have been is proven to lessen the risks of developing skin precancerous conditions and skin cancers. The foundation recommends using SPF 15 sunscreens for everyday use as doing so can lessen the chances of developing melanoma by at least 50% and of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 40% at the least.
South Korea, where the effects of climate change include intense solar radiations, high heat levels and humid temperatures, most skin care cream formulations now include sunscreen protection. The most popular sun cream products that have been listed by 연예인화장품추천 as the most recommended are made from eco-friendly natural ingredients.
