Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. Not only does it have benefits for the body, UV rays can also have harmful effects on the body. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Both types of light can have negative effects on the skin in several ways.
Learn more about the differences between UVA and UVB rays, including their negative effects on the body, in the review below.
What are UVA and UVB?
UV rays are part of the natural energy that comes from sunlight. In the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light has a shorter wavelength than visible light, so the eye cannot see UV rays, but the skin can feel them. In addition to sunlight, Sunbed Also emits UV rays.
There are two types of UV light that have been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer: UVA has longer wavelengths that can cause skin aging, while UVB has shorter wavelengths that can cause sunburn.
Although the effects of UVA and UVB rays on the skin are different, they are both harmful. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays on the skin can damage the DNA of skin cells, causing genetic defects or mutations that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. UV rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancer.
Read more: Have sensitive skin? You really need this treatment!
Use of ultraviolet radiation
In addition to being harmful, UVA and UVB rays also have several health benefits. The benefits of UVB rays include helping the skin make vitamin D3, which is important for muscle and bone health.
UVB and UVA rays are used in a form of light therapy called phototherapy. Phototherapy is useful for the following serious skin conditions:
- Osteoarthritis– A condition that occurs in children when the bones become soft and weak due to a lack of vitamin D.
- Psoriasis, ringworm– This disease may appear as red, scaly, or itchy skin.
- Vitiligo– A condition in which skin spots appear that cause the skin color to fade.
- Localized scleroderma– Also known as Morphea, this rare condition causes red, thickened or hardened patches of skin.
Read more: Recommendations for after-sun products that help soothe sunburned skin
The difference between UVA and UVB rays
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most harmful radiation to the skin. There are two basic types of UV radiation that reach the earth's surface: UVB and UVA. The two have the following differences:
1. UVA rays
UVA rays have the longest wavelength compared to UVB rays, however, they produce the lowest energy. UVA rays can penetrate and damage deeper skin cells.
If UVB rays only reach the epidermis or skin layer, UVA rays can be absorbed through the epidermis to the dermis. However, it does not cause direct damage to human DNA.
Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer, so almost 95% of UV rays that reach the ground are UVA rays. The effects of UVA exposure are also immediate and visible.
In some cases, prolonged exposure to UVA rays not only causes sunburn, but also causes premature aging or wrinkling of the skin. Some signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots, can lead to cancer. This is why UVA rays often trigger several types of skin cancer.
2. UVB rays
UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and higher energy levels. Basically, UVB rays can directly damage the outer layer of the skin and damage DNA.
UVB rays are the UV rays that most commonly cause skin cancer. When exposed to UVA rays, the effects of the exposure are direct, in contrast to UVB rays that are directed. Sunburn (sunburn) which usually appears after several hours of exposure to sunlight.
However, prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause several adverse effects on the skin, such as redness, pain, burning sensation, and the destruction of melanin, making the skin more likely to darken.
Read more: Recommend the best sunscreen that is comfortable on all skin types.
The dangers of UVA and UVB rays to the skin
Both UVA and UVB rays can have adverse effects on your skin health, especially if you are exposed to both types of UV rays for too long. Some of the negative effects include:
1. Effects of UVA radiation on health
The following are the risks associated with UVA exposure:
- Premature aging of the skin– UVA rays can cause premature skin aging because they penetrate deep into the skin. One of the signs of premature aging caused by UVA rays is the formation of wrinkles, also known as photoaging.
- Tanning and skin cancer– UVA rays cause skin to darken. Tanning It is the body's way of protecting the skin from damage caused by exposure to UVA rays. Sunbathing is not safe or healthy because UVA rays pose a risk of skin cancer.
2. Effects of UVB radiation on health
Here are some of the risks associated with UVB exposure:
- Skin damage– UVB rays can penetrate the top layer of the skin and can cause damage such as sunburn and Tanning–
- Blisters– UVB rays can cause skin blisters. Blisters are skin conditions in which fluid fills the spaces between the layers of the skin. Blisters can be painful.
- Skin cancer– Exposure to UVB rays can also increase your risk of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. UVB rays can also cause a serious type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Although the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays are harmful to your skin health, there are several ways you can protect yourself, such as wearing tight clothing and applying sunscreen when you are outdoors.
If you are experiencing the adverse effects of either type of UV radiation, you should see a dermatologist for proper treatment.
Chat With Farmaku's partner doctors here To consult about your skin health, including: How to prevent and treat the effects of UV rays
