Let’s take a short science lesson in UV radiation. Did you know that there are two types of UV radiation? Each one affects your skin differently.
UV-A (long wave-length) doesn’t cause damage right away, but over time it gets down deep into the skin. UV-A eventually causes photoaging: wrinkles, sagging, and sometimes skin cancer.
UV-B (mid range wave-length), though not as abundant as UV-A, causes instant inflammation, sunburn, and can also lead to skin cancer.
Sunlight is the most direct form of UV exposure we experience. But, you can’t just turn your back to the sun to avoid UV exposure. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to simply hide from UV radiation since most of the rays that reach the earth are scattered light. 60% of the UV radiation that we are exposed is reflected from particles in the atmosphere and ricochet at the planet from various angles. Only 40% of UV radiation comes directly from sunlight.This means radiation is all around you, no matter how long you avoid direct sunlight.
Year round UV protection with sunscreen, no matter where we are in the world, is best.
Year round UV protection with sunscreen, no matter where we are in the world, is best.
Children are especially susceptible to UV damage. The World Health Organization states skin cancer rates later in life are directly correlated to the amount of UV exposure an individual experiences before the age of 18.
