There is a very big star called the Sun, pouring down its glorious light by day. Just above that visible light is ultraviolet radiation (UVR). It comes in wavelengths of Ultraviolet-A (UVA), Ultraviolet-B (UVB) and Ultraviolet-C (UVC).
Even though it holds the greatest energy, UVC light has the shortest wavelength. Thankfully, the planet has a sunscreen against UVC called the ozone layer. So people might as well place their coordinates on somewhere else, say UVB rays.
By all accounts, UVB, short-wave sun rays up to 320 nanometers, are the most potent. Prolonged exposure to it means sunburn. Most of all, UVB is the chief cause of skin cancers like squamous cell carcinomas and the dreaded melanoma.
True to form, sunscreens were formulated with UVB in mind. Products came to grocery shelves labeled with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values, indicating their ability to protect somebody against UVB rays.
No one could care less about UVA, in contrast.
Now scientists are in unison that damage from UVB is superficial compared to that of UVAs, which infiltrate the skin the deepest. When large enough, exposure to UVA rays can directly induce melanoma itself. Granted, they don’t cause sunburns, but UVA rays spur premature aging, to say nothing of allergic complications.
Otherwise, UVA can magnify the carcinogenic effects of UVB. Worse, UVA, not like UVB, is potent at any time of the day. They even penetrate through window panes.
A measurement system like SPF is still in the offing on UVA rays. In the meantime, one shouldn’t just place a premium on high SPF figures.
The key is looking for broad spectrum products. They are manufactured to have dual protection from both UVA and UVB light, as much as over 360 nanometers.
Approved ingredients for UVA protection include avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and zinc oxide.
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