What Are UV And UVB

Skin care has revolutionized ever since new discoveries that involve the environment’s effect on skin. In your studies you will encounter “UV” and “UVB”.  You will also encounter products that say they give you UV protection and the like. But what are UV and UVB anyway?

Awareness is important if you really want to have beautiful, healthy skin. So, here are the things that you should know about UV and UVB for you to be aware of their differences and effects to your skin.

The Terms

Basically, the term ‘UV’ is short for “Ultraviolet”. Consequently, “UVB” means “Ultraviolet B”, which is one type of UV. There are various kinds of Ultra Violet rays and each kind may or may not have a certain effect on your skin.

The Discovery

UV radiation discovery happened while observing silver salts which darkened when they were exposed to sunlight. It was in 1801 that Johann Wilhelm Ritter, a German physicist, observed that there were invisible rays situated somewhere beyond the violet area of the visible light spectrum.  He discovered that they were actually very effective in darkening paper that was soaked in silver chloride.

He used the term “de-oxidizing rays” to emphasize the light ray’s chemical reactivity.  He did this to make a distinction from “heat rays”, which are found on the spectrum’s other end. Shortly, “chemical rays”, which was a much simpler term was adopted. This became popular in the 19th century then were dropped and now “infrared radiation” and “ultraviolet radiation” are the commonly used terms.

UV Rays

Skin wise, UV rays are considered to have very serious effects on skin. It has several types, but the ones that really affect skin are UVA an UVB. Both of these have been connected to the immune system’s weakening along with skin cancer. UV rays also cause the skin’s premature aging, discoloration and eye cataracts.

UVA Rays

This type isn’t absorbed or filtered by the ozone layer. It can also penetrate deep into your skin. This is why it can contribute to your skin’s premature aging. In fact, almost 90% of visible skin changes are usually due to aging, which are caused by UVA rays. This kind of rays could be found in sunlamps and tanning beds.

This kind of radiation is actually the major contributor in having skin cancer. Before, it was thought of to be just a minor problem. However, as research developed, it was found that it is actually a severe problem that should be faced by many. Since it has the ability to go deeper into your skin than UVB radiation, you get to have more constant exposure to it throughout the year. However, it could not pass through glass.

UVB Rays

These types of UV rays are somewhat absorbed in the ozone layer. In relation to skin, this type would be the one that would have the most effect on your skin’s surface. Its main target would be your epidermis, or the outer layer of your skin. It is also the primary reason why you get sunburn. UVB rays are also considered to be the major cause of squamous and basal cell carcinoma, and a significant contributor of melanoma.

This kind of radiation is strongest during 10:00 AM throughout 2:00 PM. This is the time in which the sun is actually at its brightest.  Additionally, it’s strongest during summer months, which actually accounts for up to 70% of an individual’s annual UVB dose. Nevertheless, even if it is that strong, it does not have the ability to travel through glass.

UV Strength

Although contrary to popular belief, the radiation that is given off by the sun isn’t actually always that strong. If you want to be safe, know the levels by listening to the daily weather forecast in your area. These are usually given out throughout summer months just to inform you so that you may have an idea of what strength and kind of sunscreen you should buy. Nevertheless, radiation levels are also given out even in cooler months.

The general rule would be the higher the radiation level, the higher the chance you have of getting burnt. Thus, you would need a higher protection level in terms of SPF or Sun Protection Factor.