UVA radiation
UVA rays are mainly responsible for skin aging (A: Aging) and constitute 95% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. They do not cause burns, but can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and cause, in the long run, damage to cells.
They are mainly responsible for:
- Photoaging: they destroy the elasticity of the lower layers of the skin resulting in the creation of wrinkles
- Pigmented disorders: spots, freckles, discolorations etc
- Sun allergy or intolerance to the sun: causes redness, local irritation and itching
- Skin cancer
UVB radiation
UVB rays make up 5% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth’s surface and is mainly blocked by the ozone layer, which in several areas has deteriorated and therefore allows UVB rays to reach us.
They also help increase allergic reactions to the sun and the chances of developing skin cancer. Unlike UVAs, they are responsible for tanning and sunburn (B: Burning).
