How UVA and UVB Rays Can Damage Your Skin
The effects of skin cancer cost the American people more than $8 billion every year. Add to that the billion business of warding off wrinkles, and you can see why so many are promoting the benefits of sun prevention.
We anticipate the long leisurely days of summer; when the sun shines brightly and warm breezes soothe the soul. But, that sun you crave could be putting you at risk for wrinkles or worse — skin cancer! Don’t be one of the millions faced with skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation exposure. Learn to prevent sun damage and protect your skin by understanding the true danger of UVA and UVB rays.
What is Ultraviolet Radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) are rays of sunshine that can penetrate the skin, causing a molecular breakdown of the DNA which ultimately cause some serious effects.
Most of us have experienced the pain of sunburn sometime in our lives. But remember, that sunburn is only one small symptom of UV exposure. Even when the skin is not “burned,” it is still being damaged. The skin is always absorbaing some level of UV rays (even on cloudy days), and depending which kind and how much of it you are exposed to, it can result in everything from a few wrinkles to skin cancer.
The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays
Ultraviolet radiation is made up of three different wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Since UVC rays never make it below the upper atmosphere, they pose no real risk to the skin. That isn’t the case for the other two types of UV rays.
UVB rays are generally the sun rays people think about since these are the ones that cause most sunburns when they penetrate the outer level of the skin. The good news is that these rays vary in intensity depending on the time of year and even the time of the day you are exposed to them. This makes preventing sun damage easier.
UVA exposure, on the other hand, is always constant. No matter what time of the day (or what season it is), these ultra-penetrating rays are always present – and always a danger. These rays are able to penetrate even the deepest levels of the skin; UVA rays are the major cause of wrinkles and skin cancer.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Considering how dangerous UV sun rays can be, it is important to always be on the lookout for ways to protect yourself.
- Wear sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
- Cover up as much as your skin as you can
- Eat a healthy diet to boost your immune system and strengthen your skin
- Tint your home and car windows with a protective shielding film
Whether you are in your car a lot on sunny days, or for just a few minutes, dangerous UVA rays get through glass, making you more susceptible to skin damage. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to visit the experts at Executive Motorsports to see how window tinting can help. Call today for a free estimate.
