UVA And UVB Rays: What Is The Difference Between Them?
Exposure to sunlight affects your skin and can have long-term consequences. Depending on the type of solar ray, be it UVA or UVB, the effects will be different.
The solar rays reach the earth according to their type, these can be UVA and UVB rays. Here you will learn about each of them and differentiate them when sunbathing in summer.
The sun’s rays penetrate the earth’s surface through the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are known as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation determines the strongest intensity of the sun. These radiations are measured in nanometers (nm) and will determine the penetration of the sun’s rays into the earth.
Ultraviolet radiation is divided into two types: UVA and UVB, each with certain characteristics and effects on the body. These solar radiation will depend on the visible or infrared light that makes up the solar ray and will define whether they are UVA or UVB radiation. Strong exposure to sunlight may cause harm to humans. One of the most feared is the appearance of skin cancer.
Each type of solar ray can cause secondary effects, so here you will discover the differences between them and how to protect yourself from the solar rays. Enjoy the summer and protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Length of solar rays
Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation spans wavelengths between 320 and 400 nm. This type of rays penetrates the skin less because its intensity is the least energetic of UV radiation.
UVA rays are used to produce less intense body tanning. There are chemical products that generate a tanning effect because they allow these rays to penetrate the skin.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation ranges between 200 and 290 nm. These types of rays are harmful to the skin because their penetration is greater. It is not useful for tanning, because its radiation from 200 to 2000 times higher.
Skin penetration
UVA rays are what cause skin aging, as they are capable of penetrating deeply into the epidermis and dermis. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause a darkening of the melanin in the epidermis.
The penetration of UVA rays can cause the fearsome wrinkles and wear of the skin. This type of rays is the most common, because they are used in natural tanning. Protect your skin from UVA rays by using a sunscreen with components that stop the deep penetration of the sun’s rays.
UVB rays cause the appearance of burns, because they penetrate directly into the epidermis, acting mainly at the level of the basal cell layer. These types of rays damage the vital cells of the epidermis and do not help the production of melanin. Direct exposure to these rays is harmful to health and is linked to the development of skin cancer.
Risk factor’s
UVA rays age skin cells and can damage your DNA. These rays are associated with long-term skin damage, such as the appearance of wrinkles. They also dry out the skin, because the production of melanin and natural fat is lost.
Tanning is part of summer, but you must protect your skin from the sun’s rays. A good tan is attractive, which is why some women use tanning beds to look their best. The problem is that these cosmetic procedures can also be harmful to the skin, because UVA rays penetrate directly.
UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. These rays can directly damage the DNA of skin cells, and are the main rays that cause sunburn.
Whether you go to the beach or in the city, you should use sunscreen to avoid burns. UVA and UVB rays penetrate more between 10 AM and 4 PM Remember to use sunscreen to avoid burns, wrinkles and wear on the skin. When choosing sunscreen, check the type of protection and watch out for UVA and UVB rays. Don’t expose your skin to solar radiation and enjoy the summer!
