Introduction
Every day, our skin faces environmental aggressors. Among these factors, UV radiation, which encompasses UVA, UVB, and UVC, stands out by degrading skin texture, causing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even increasing the risks of skin cancer.
Do you know the differences between UVA, UVB, and UVC? What is their significance and what are their impacts on the skin? How should we address them daily to better protect our skin? A decoding of the nuances between UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, and their impact on skin health.
The three types of UV radiation
Invisible electromagnetic spectrum:
UV radiation, invisible to the naked eye, requires a thorough understanding. Visible sunlight and invisible UV rays differ, with the latter penetrating even through clouds. Energy is measured by wavelength in nanometers, where a longer wavelength means lower energy.
UVA: the aging rays
Depth and long-term impact:
UVA rays, from 320 to 400 nm, penetrate deep into the skin, even through clouds and windows. Responsible for long-term skin aging (causing pigment spots, wrinkles, skin sagging), they create toxic reactive species that alter lipids, proteins, and DNA. With daily exposure 100 times higher than UVB, indoor protection remains essential.
UVB: the burning rays
Immediate and long-term damage:
With a higher frequency (290-320 nm), UVB rays cause immediately visible sun damage, such as sunburn (solar erythema). Their closer link to DNA damage makes them the primary cause of skin cancers. Better UVA-UVB protection is crucial to prevent these consequences.
UVC: the rays blocked by ozone
Energetic but blocked:
Although UVC rays are the most energetic (200-290 nm), most are blocked by the ozone layer, limiting their impact on the skin.
HEV: High-Energy Visible light or Blue light
Visible blue light: an invisible enemy for the skin
"Blue-violet" light, emitted by the sun and digital screens, is a threat to skin health. With a wavelength of 400 to 500 nm, it accelerates cellular aging, causing wrinkles and spots. Approximately 25% of cellular damage is attributed to this light. It can penetrate even deeper than UVA rays and acts in synergy within the skin layers, worsening aging.
Conclusion: protect your skin daily
Sun protection tips:
To prevent damage, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen protecting against UVA, UVB, and HEV. Apply daily and ensure you use at least ¼ teaspoon for optimal protection.
Essential reminder:
Sunscreen is not comparable to your favorite concealer. Results may not be immediately visible, but damage such as photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and cancer risks are measured over the long term. Daily sun protection is crucial from a young age to preserve your skin health and prevent photoaging and skin cancers. Skincare is an essential component of overall health.
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Bibliography
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- D’Orazio, John. “UV Radiation and the Skin.” National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health, 20 June 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/
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- J, L. “The Effects of UVA-I (340-400 Nm), UVA-II (320-340 Nm) and UVA-I+II on the Photoisomerization of Urocanic Acid in Vivo - PubMed.” National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9337619/
