The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays
Sunscreen should be an essential part of your morning skin care routine. Experts have warned us again and again about the risks of skin cancer as well as aging skin if you do not use sunscreen.
For those of us who do use sunscreen, the labels can be confusing. They say UVA, UVB and many other three letter words that don’t make a lot of sense. We want to break it down for you, and help you understand the best way to protect your skin from the sun.
UVA rays are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin deeper. These are the sneaky rays that can get to your skin through windows, lightweight clothing and your car windshield. UVA rays are responsible for breaking down the collagen in your skin and causing premature aging such as sagging skin, wrinkled skin and sunspots.
UVB rays tan your skin and cause sunburns. They are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays can also go through windows and even clouds. UVB rays are most prevalent during mid-day hours.
Both UVA and UVB rays are equally harmful to your skin, so make it a priority to slather on sunscreen before you walk outside. All sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but it wasn’t until recent years that some sunscreens started including UVA protection. Look for one that specifically says UVA/UVB or “broad spectrum coverage” on the bottle.
If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
