Did you know that being in the sun can improve your mood? This has to do with the fact that it increases serotonin levels aka the body’s “feel-good” hormone.
Too much sun exposure, however, can be harmful. Not only is it bad for your skin, but it can damage your eyes as well. In some cases, it can even lead to cancer.
Ultimately, this has to do with the sun’s UV radiation. There are two types: UVA and UVB.
What’s the difference between UVB vs UVA? How can you protect yourself? Find out all of the answers and more by reading the rest of the post!
Comparing UVA and UVB Rays
UVA rays have higher wavelengths but a lower amount of energy than UVB rays. Compared to the latter, they’re also more penetrating—that is, they can affect cells deeper in the skin.
Over time, this can cause premature skin aging. For instance, it can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
Not only that but they’re also associated with some types of skin cancer (they cause indirect damage to DNA). And unlike UVB rays, they’re not filtered by the ozone layer. They can also penetrate through clouds and windows.
UVB rays, on the other hand, have more energy. However, they have shorter wavelengths and can only reach the outermost layers of the skin.
They’re also the main rays that cause sunburns. For example, they can cause skin blistering, a painful condition in which fluid fills up between the various skin layers.
That’s not all, they also play an important role in the formation of skin cancers (they cause direct damage to DNA). However, they’re more likely to be filtered by clouds and don’t penetrate windows.
How to Protect Yourself From UVA and UVB Rays
Make a habit of wearing sunscreen every day; one that offers broad-spectrum protection. That’ll protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
And pay attention to the sun protection factor (SPF). The number tells you how long you can stay in the sun without getting a sunburn. Ideally, you want to choose a sunscreen that’s 30 SPF or higher.
It’s also important that you reapply every two hours, especially if you’ve been sweating.
In addition to that, you can wear UPF clothing; they’re made from special fabrics and have the ability to block UV rays. For example, there are summer UV turtleneck shirts that you can get.
Knowing the Difference Between UVB vs UVA
Now you know the difference between UVB vs UVA! While they affect the skin differently, they can both cause serious harm. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself from the sun.
Did you find this guide helpful? Interested in more posts like this? Then check out the rest of our health section for more articles!
