Ultraviolet light:

the good, the bad, and the ugly

March 27, 2007

For many reasons, the sun is a wonderful thing. yet to our skin, the sun can cause permanent damage.

Ultraviolet light means "beyond violet." It was discovered by a German physicist in 1801. The sun emits three different types of UV radiation, known as UVA, UVB, and UVC. While there are benefits to some exposure to UV light, prolonged exposure can have a harmful effect on the skin.

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All UV lights are not equal

The most dangerous ray is the UVC ray. But fortunately, UVC rays are filtered out by the Earth's atmosphere so little or none of it reaches our skin.

On the other hand, UVB rays on the skin can cause cancer. The UVB radiation excites the DNA molecules in skin cells causing them to mutate. This mutation is what can lead to skin cancers.

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The light that causes wrinkles

The last type of UV light is the UVA rays. These rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and is thought to be a prime cause of wrinkles. Because UVA light has a longer wavelength and can go through windows, your skin can age even in a seemingly safe place at home or in your car.

Most of us put on some sort of sun protection. If you haven't been, you should seriously consider starting. (Remember, UVA light can go through your windows.)

Here's what's very important: not all sunblocks protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

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Shocking truth about sunscreens

Most chemical sunblocks or sunscreens usually only block UVB rays. Even with SPF 45 or higher, UVA rays may be penetrating deep into your skin and causing wrinkles.

Unlike most chemical formulations, physical sunblocks can block both UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, most people avoid these blocks because of the white chalk like appearance it causes. This avoidance is beginning to change with advances in technology that micronizes the sun blocking particles. New products based on cutting-edge technology gives you the best of both worlds by protecting against UVA and UVB while giving the skin a natural looking, flawless finish. Unlike the chemical sunblocks, these physical sunblocks do not irritate, burn, or sting the skin.

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What else you can do

In addition to using the best sunblock for your skin that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, it is important for you to wear protective clothing (such as a hat and sunglasses) and stay out of the sun during mid-day and at high altitudes. Keeping these tips in mind can help protect your skin from skin cancer and premature aging.

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