Understanding UV Rays

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Ultraviolet rays can be subdivided into three different wavelength bands: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. This is simply a convenient way of classifying the rays based on the amount of energy they contain and their effects on biological matter.

UVA (Ultraviolet-A)

UV-A rays do not have enough energy to break apart the bonds of the ozone, so UV-A radiation passes through the earth's atmosphere almost unfiltered. UV-A penetrates the skin deeper than UV-B, causing wrinkles and skin aging. UV-A may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas. Most chemical sunscreens do not protect against UVA, even with high factors like SPF 60 or SPF 100.

UVB (Ultraviolet-B)

UV-B rays have a higher energy level and a shorter wavelength than UV-A. As their energy is often not sufficient to split an ozone molecule, some of them extend down to the earth's surface. Burns skin in less time than UV-A light. Causes basal and squamous cell carcinomas, types of skin cancer.

UVC (Ultraviolet-C)

UV-C is most energetic and most harmful. Luckily, most of UV-C rays do not reach the earth’s surface because of the ozone layer.

Both UV-B and UV-A rays can be detrimental to our health, so it is important that we protect ourselves.

This can be done through a variety of ways. The most obvious is to reduce the amount of time one spends in the sun, particularly between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its highest in the sky. However, especially during the summer holidays, this may be difficult to adhere to. Alternatives include covering up with clothing, or applying sun-protection.

Make sure that sunscreen is a daily part of your life if you are in the sun frequently. There are several all natural sunscreen options out there that are safe and effective for your entire family!

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Liz Thompson has 47 articles online

Liz Thompson is founder and editor of Organic Beauty Source, a blog where she shares information on safe, natural beauty and personal care products, such natural cosmetics and organic anti aging skin care. Years of extensive research on the subject of safe cosmetics and a passion for all things beautiful led this mother of two to create this online venue where the conscientious consumer can easily find products free from harmful ingredients and educate themselves in the process.

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Understanding UV Rays

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This article was published on 2011/07/22