What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Everyone knows that the sun is harmful to the skin and that we must protect ourselves well. What you may not have known is that sun rays come in 2 forms: UVA and UVB . For good protection, it is best to arm yourself against both rays, namely with the right sun cream! But what exactly do those rays do to your skin?

We are exposed to the sun all year round, even in winter. That UV radiation affects your skin. Do you want to protect yourself optimally? Then it is wise to make sun protection a part of your daily routine. It is best to apply daily between April and September. Be sure to do this when the UV index is above 3!

UVA and UVB: What’s the difference? ☀️

Natural sunlight consists of about 95% UVA rays and 5% UVB rays . Both rays play a role in the formation of skin cancer.

UVB radiation reaches the epidermis. However, UVA radiation gets ‘further’ into the skin.

• UVA rays are present all year round, including autumn and winter. These have a longer wave than UVB rays. UVA rays even penetrate clouds, glass and the epidermis. This allows UVA rays to penetrate deeper into our skin, namely to the dermis. As a result, they can affect collagen and elastin in our skin and cause skin aging. UVA rays are the main producers of free radicals, which can damage cells in the long term and lead towrinkle formation, solar intolerances, pigment disorders and the development of skin cancer.

• UVB rays have a much shorter wave. They are very energetic, are held back by clouds and glass, and can only penetrate to the epidermis. UVB rays cause us to tan, but also cause us to burn without protection. In addition, UVB DNA schad e cause allergic reactions entail and skin cancer.

Sun cream with filters against UVB and UVA rays

To prevent premature skin aging , it is very important to protect against both UVA rays and UVB rays. Therefore, when you buy sunscreen, check whether it also protects against UVA rays. You can easily see this on the packaging of the product. Does it have a UVA logo on it? Then the cream also protects you against UVA rays. Therefore, do not only apply in the summer months, but also in the spring. This way you optimally protect your skin against the harmful effects of the sun.