What is the difference between UVA, UVB and UVC?

When purchasing a sunscreen make sure you have a  UVA and UVB coverage.

I would like to draw your attention to the 3 types of light rays. Ultra-violet, visible and infra-red rays.

Ultra-violet or UV is divided into three sections according to their wavelengths from the sun to the earth. It is important to know about these if you do intend to expose your skin to the sun.

Know your ABC of skin UNprotection

UV stands for Ultra Violet. Here is the ABC of the Ultra Violets, which are measured in wave length:

UVA : Long Wave – UVB: Medium Wave – UVC – Short Wave

UVA =  Can cause Aging. UVA rays can penetrate and damage the cell. UVA rays damage skin cells and have the potential to cause cell mutation.

UVA shoots through the epidermis and disperses in the dermis the second major layer of your skin. At the age of 28 years the dermis slows the repair and renew process right down. If you have been a sun worshiper then after the age of 28 any damage will not be fixed so you will look ‘older’ for your age. UVA rays accelerate the aging process, which is why you need to start taking good care of your skin from an early age. 

The dermis is composed of collagen, elastin, blood vessels, nerve endings and ground substances (glyco-amino-glycans, mucopoly-saccharides) providing a firm youthful mattress for your skin.

Prolonged exposure to UVA damages the collagen and elastin reducing the size of this layer allowing the epidermis (top layer) to start drooping or hanging off the body (wrinkles appear). The few remaining melanocyte cells that are scattered in the dermis can either die making a permanent white spot (vitiligo) or become over active leaving a brown spot. As the skin absorbs the UVA it becomes dehydrated due to the water binding ground substances becoming less effective.

UVA, was once deemed as “the safe ray” bringing a multi-million pound surge to the sun-bed market. Some dermatologists were recommending this in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. As time and research has moved on it is now proven that this ray does more damage to the body than UVB.

UVA is the same strength year round it does not matter how close or how far away the sun is from the earth. The ray remains the same strength and can penetrate light clothing and windows.

Have you ever put a plant in a window and have witnessed its leaves dying even though you give it water? Try it. Have you ever seen your curtains change colour on the side facing the window and noticed the fade?  This is the damage of UVA.

Look at people who spend a lot of time in their car, look at how their arm (the one exposed at the open window whilst driving is more aged that the rest of the body.  Don’t think the sun visor is enough to protect you in the car.

UVB= Burning or Browning. UVB easily burn the surface of the skin.

UVB, is considered as the “tanning ray” is strongest in northern hemisphere summer months or when parts of the earth orbit closest to the sun. When the earth orbits away from the sun in the northern hemisphere winter months it is harder to get a “suntan” because the rays can not easily reach the earth’s surface.

UVB only has the strength to penetrate the very top layer of skin (Epidermis). There are no blood vessels or nerve endings in the epidermis. The epidermis consists of  keratinocytes (skin cells), basal cells and melanocyte cells.

Melanocyte cells synthesize tyrosinase and the pigment melanin that is transferred to the keratinocytes or skin cells for color. UVB rays simulate the melanocyte cells to produce more melanin which is more color known as a suntan or if a very small area known as a freckle, brown or age spot. 

UVC = Caution, normally these wave lengths are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not  reach earth, but if it did it would be fatal.

Sunlight regulates our biological clock and provides essential vitamin D.

Everything in moderation. Use a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

If you do burn I would recommend using IncoSilk. This contains lactic and citric acid as well as Korean ginseng and hyaluronic acid. The lactic and citric acids acts as an antibacterial and the hyaluronic acid is a property known for skin repair. Korean Ginseng is the best quality in the world which is known for keeping you young-looking.

IncoSilk cools the area immediately and stops any infection from attacking the skin. People who have used this have claimed they have not peeled and the skin has browned nicely.

Buy IncoSilk from www.incostress.com or www.amazon.co.uk exclusive to SkiWeb. Used by skiers and Sunbathers as a moisturising repairing agent after being exposed to the sun.

Order on www.incostress.com by June 30th (midnight UK time) and quote WWJune and we will give you £5.00 off the rrp £23.99

250ml tube