What is UV Radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy from the sun that reaches Earth as invisible rays. It consists primarily of two types: UVA and UVB. While both types can penetrate the skin and cause damage, they affect it in different ways, contributing to everything from sunburn to premature aging and skin cancer.
Types of Radiation:
UVA Rays: These rays account for about 95% of the UV radiation reaching our skin. They penetrate deeply into the skin layers, breaking down collagen and elastin, which leads to premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging. UVA rays are strong enough to penetrate glass, so they can affect skin indoors or through car windows.
UVB Rays: While these rays impact the outer layers of the skin, they are the primary cause of sunburn. UVB rays are more intense during summer months and at higher altitudes, and they play a significant role in the development of skin cancer by directly damaging DNA in skin cells.
How UV Radiation Damages the Skin
When skin absorbs UV rays, it triggers an inflammatory response, often appearing as redness or sunburn. This response can damage skin cells’ DNA, leading to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer over time. Even minimal exposure, when accumulated, can cause long-term harm, accelerating skin aging and disrupting normal cell function. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Ultraviolet radiation and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-radiation.html
- The Skin Cancer Foundation. (2023). Photoaging: Aging Caused by the Sun. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/photoaging/
