What are UVA and UVB rays?

UVB

UVB rays are the rays that cause tanning and sunburn. To defend itself against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) the body releases a brown pigment, known as melanin to help block the penetration of the rays by absorbing the light. This process is what causes the skin to tan. When your skin burns it is because you have been over exposed to UV light and your skin can’t naturally defend against it. People with darker skin have more melanin in their skin so do not burn as easily as someone with very pale skin who has less melanin. Sunburn cannot only be very painful and look awful but is very dangerous for your skin as it increases your risks of developing skin cancer.

UVA

99% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is UVA. UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB light and can cause premature ageing including wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation and loss of skin elasticity. People who have spent too much time in the sun often have a leathery appearance to their skin as well as excessive lines and wrinkles for their age and patches of pigmented skin known as hyperpigmentation. UVA rays can penetrate through glass so don’t be fooled into thinking you are protected when you are in your car. There are two types of UVA ray: UVA1 and UVA2. UVA1 rays are the rays through to cause photo-ageing of the skin as they penetrate deepest into the tissues of the skin. Most sunscreens that have UVA protection only protect against UVA2. Check out section on Choosing a Sunscreen for more advice.