The effect on the skin varies depending on the type of ultraviolet rays! Know the difference and take correct UV protection

Ultraviolet rays are known as one of the causes of skin spots, wrinkles, and dullness, but did you know that there are different types of ultraviolet rays? It is important to acquire basic knowledge of UV rays when taking measures against UV rays. Therefore, this time, I will explain the types of UV rays, their effects on the skin, and the correct measures against UV rays.

Let’s take a closer look at what ultraviolet rays mean in the first place.

What is ultraviolet light?

Ultraviolet rays are one of the wavelengths contained in sunlight. In addition to ultraviolet rays, the wavelengths contained in sunlight include visible light and infrared rays. Ultraviolet rays have the greatest effect on the skin. It is said that near infrared rays and blue light, which are a kind of visible light, are also related to skin aging.

Types of ultraviolet rays

Ultraviolet rays include UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, each of which has a different effect on the skin. However, UV-C does not reach the ground because it is absorbed by ozone and oxygen molecules in the sky. If it reaches the ground, UV-C has a short wavelength and is thought to have a strong effect on the skin.

Amount of ultraviolet rays

The amount of UV rays varies depending on the season, weather, and time of day. Let’s take a closer look at how the amount of ultraviolet rays fluctuates.

Season: The amount of UV rays is highest in summer and lowest in winter. This is because the sun is closest to the earth in summer and farthest in winter. The difference in the amount of UV rays differs between UV-A and UV-B. UV-A has one-fifth the amount of UV rays in winter compared to summer, but UV-B has only one-half. .. Therefore, it is important to take sufficient measures against UV rays regardless of the season.

Weather … On cloudy days, the amount of UV rays that reach the ground is reduced because the UV rays are blocked by clouds. However, UV-A is easier to reach the ground than UV-B, so UV protection is required regardless of the weather.

Time: The amount of ultraviolet rays is highest from 10 am to 2 pm. However, the amount of UV-A does not fluctuate significantly in the morning or evening. UV protection is always required except at night.

As you can see, depending on the type of UV rays, it is not easily affected by the time and weather, so take measures against UV rays when you go out regardless of the conditions.

Ultraviolet rays that affect the skin are UV-A and UV-B. Since UV-C does not reach the ground, we will introduce the effects and characteristics of UV-A and UV-B on the skin.

What is UV-A?

It accounts for about 90% of the ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight.
It penetrates deep into the skin, denatures and destroys collagen and elastin, and causes the skin to lose its elasticity.
When the skin loses its elasticity, it sags due to gravity and becomes wrinkled. In addition, it has the property of causing darkening of the skin by oxidizing the produced melanin pigment.

It is called UV rays for daily life, and it reaches the human skin through the walls, windowpanes, and clouds of the house, so it is necessary to take measures against UV rays even in the house or car.

What is UV-B?

It accounts for about 10% of the ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight. In addition to causing inflammation on the surface of the skin in a short time, it is characterized by darkening the skin several days after receiving UV-B. It has a great impact on the health of the skin by damaging the cells and DNA on the surface of the skin.

UV-B is also called leisure UV, which causes sunburn and dryness outdoors and after leisure.

UV protection is necessary not only for leisure and outdoor activities, but also when you are at home or when you are out for a short time. By reducing the damage caused by UV rays as much as possible, the risk of spots, wrinkles, freckles, etc. is reduced. UV protection is about applying sunscreen, but that’s not enough.

Let’s check the basic UV measures to reduce the risk of skin problems in the future.

Be sure to apply sunscreen

It is important to apply sunscreen in the prescribed amount. If you apply too much, it will be uneven. On the contrary, if it is too small, the UV protection effect will not be fully exhibited.

It is also important to check SPF and PA and use them properly according to the purpose. SPF is an index that prolongs the time until the effect of UV-B appears, and the larger the value, the longer the time until the effect appears. PA is an index of UV-A protection, and the larger the number of “+”, the better the effect.

For daily life such as walking and shopping, SPF20-30, PA ++-++++, for light sports and leisure, SPF30-50, PA +++, and for marine sports and leisure under the scorching sun, SPF40-50, PA ++++-are recommended.

Sweat will wash away the sunscreen, so reapply it once every 2-3 hours. No matter how high the SPF value is, if it is washed away by sweat, the effect of blocking UV rays will be lost.

Put on sunglasses

Wearing UV-cut sunglasses will reduce the effects of UV rays around your eyes. Also, when UV rays are absorbed from the cornea of ​​the eye, the brain commands the production of melanin pigments, so wearing sunglasses also reduces the risk of skin blemishes and dullness.

Point to the parasol

By pointing to a UV-cut parasol, you can reduce the effects of UV rays on your face, neck, and chest. However, because the reflection from the ground affects UV rays, parasols alone cannot completely prevent UV rays. Combine with sunscreen and sunglasses to reduce the effects of UV rays.