| Skin care has revolutionized ever since new | | | | This type isn't absorbed or filtered by the ozone |
| discoveries that involve the environment's effect | | | | layer. It can also penetrate deep into your skin. |
| on skin. In your studies you will encounter "UV" | | | | This is why it can contribute to your skin's |
| and "UVB". You will also encounter products that | | | | premature aging. In fact, almost 90% of visible |
| say they give you UV protection and the like. But | | | | skin changes are usually due to aging, which are |
| what are UV and UVB anyway? | | | | caused by UVA rays. This kind of rays could be |
| Awareness is important if you really want to | | | | found in sunlamps and tanning beds. |
| have beautiful, healthy skin. So, here are the | | | | This kind of radiation is actually the major |
| things that you should know about UV and UVB | | | | contributor in having skin cancer. Before, it was |
| for you to be aware of their differences and | | | | thought of to be just a minor problem. However, |
| effects to your skin. | | | | as research developed, it was found that it is |
| The Terms | | | | actually a severe problem that should be faced by |
| Basically, the term 'UV' is short for "Ultraviolet". | | | | many. Since it has the ability to go deeper into |
| Consequently, "UVB" means "Ultraviolet B", which | | | | your skin than UVB radiation, you get to have |
| is one type of UV. There are various kinds of | | | | more constant exposure to it throughout the |
| Ultra Violet rays and each kind may or may not | | | | year. However, it could not pass through glass. |
| have a certain effect on your skin. | | | | UVB Rays |
| The Discovery | | | | These types of UV rays are somewhat absorbed |
| UV radiation discovery happened while observing | | | | in the ozone layer. In relation to skin, this type |
| silver salts which darkened when they were | | | | would be the one that would have the most |
| exposed to sunlight. It was in 1801 that Johann | | | | effect on your skin's surface. Its main target |
| Wilhelm Ritter, a German physicist, observed that | | | | would be your epidermis, or the outer layer of |
| there were invisible rays situated somewhere | | | | your skin. It is also the primary reason why you |
| beyond the violet area of the visible light | | | | get sunburn. UVB rays are also considered to be |
| spectrum. He discovered that they were actually | | | | the major cause of squamous and basal cell |
| very effective in darkening paper that was | | | | carcinoma, and a significant contributor of |
| soaked in silver chloride. | | | | melanoma. |
| He used the term "de-oxidizing rays" to | | | | This kind of radiation is strongest during 10:00 AM |
| emphasize the light ray's chemical reactivity. He | | | | throughout 2:00 PM. This is the time in which the |
| did this to make a distinction from "heat rays", | | | | sun is actually at its brightest. Additionally, it's |
| which are found on the spectrum's other end. | | | | strongest during summer months, which actually |
| Shortly, "chemical rays", which was a much | | | | accounts for up to 70% of an individual's annual |
| simpler term was adopted. This became popular in | | | | UVB dose. Nevertheless, even if it is that strong, |
| the 19th century then were dropped and now | | | | it does not have the ability to travel through glass. |
| "infrared radiation" and "ultraviolet radiation" are | | | | UV Strength |
| the commonly used terms. | | | | Although contrary to popular belief, the radiation |
| UV Rays | | | | that is given off by the sun isn't actually always |
| Skin wise, UV rays are considered to have very | | | | that strong. If you want to be safe, know the |
| serious effects on skin. It has several types, but | | | | levels by listening to the daily weather forecast in |
| the ones that really affect skin are UVA an UVB. | | | | your area. These are usually given out throughout |
| Both of these have been connected to the | | | | summer months just to inform you so that you |
| immune system's weakening along with skin | | | | may have an idea of what strength and kind of |
| cancer. UV rays also cause the skin's premature | | | | sunscreen you should buy. Nevertheless, radiation |
| aging, discoloration and eye cataracts. | | | | levels are also given out even in cooler months. |
| UVA Rays | | | | |