It's well known that ultraviolet rays are the natural enemy of your skin.
But did you know that there are different types of ultraviolet rays?
In this article, we will introduce some of the things you may not know about UV rays.
What are ultraviolet rays?
There are many people who have a vague idea of what UV rays are, but don't really know what they are.
Before we look at the different types of ultraviolet rays, it is important to understand what they are.
The sun's rays are divided into three categories according to their wavelength: infrared rays, visible rays, and ultraviolet rays.
Of these, ultraviolet light has the shortest wavelength and the highest energy of all the sun's rays.
Types of ultraviolet rays
Ultraviolet rays can be categorized into three types according to their wavelength: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
This means that there are three types of ultraviolet rays.
Let's take a look at what the differences are.
① UV-A
UV-A (A-wave) has the longest wavelength among the above three types of ultraviolet rays.
This type of ultraviolet rays passes through the epidermis 30-50% of the time and reaches deep into the skin.
It is also called "living ultraviolet rays" due to the fact that we are exposed to them for a long time in our daily lives without knowing it, and the effects accumulate.
② UV-B
This is the second longest wavelength ultraviolet ray.
Compared to UV-A, it is said that only about 10% of UV-B reaches the ground due to the ozone layer and clouds in the sky.
However, since most of it is scattered and absorbed by the epidermis, its action is rapid and causes significant damage to the skin.
It is also called "leisure ultraviolet rays" because it is the main cause of sunburn during leisure activities.
③ UV-C
This is the shortest wavelength of the three.
Currently, UV-C does not reach the ground due to the existence of the ozone layer, but it is feared that it will reach the earth's surface in the future due to the depletion of the ozone layer.
The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous it is considered to be, making it even more dangerous than UV-B.
The effects of UV rays on the skin
The skin is normally protected from ultraviolet rays by melanin pigments.
However, when we are exposed to large amounts or for long periods of time, various effects can appear on our skin.
The following are some of the effects.
① UV-A
This type of ultraviolet light temporarily darkens the skin when exposed to it.
When exposed to it for an hour or so, the skin will remain a little darker.
If exposure continues for a longer period of time, it can damage the fibroblast cells in the dermis and alter collagen, resulting in aging such as blotches, wrinkles, and sagging.
② UV-B
These ultraviolet rays damage the cells on the surface of the skin in the first few hours, causing inflammation and creating a "burn" condition that causes tingling and pain.
As a result, it causes blotches and sunburn.
In addition, UV rays can also cause diseases such as skin cancer, cataracts, and lowered immunity.
③ UV-C
It is said that the shorter the wavelength, the stronger the effect on the skin, so it is safe to say that it is the most dangerous ultraviolet ray.
It is said that UV-C is more harmful than UV-B in causing skin cancer, but the specifics are still unknown.
However, it is so powerful that it is used as a germicidal lamp.
Ultraviolet rays can ruin your skin if left unchecked!
Most of you are probably worried about wrinkles, sagging, and blotches when you think of UV rays.
That's one thing, but it's actually much scarier than you think.
Now that you are aware of this horror, I urge you to take careful measures against UV rays.
In the next article, I'll introduce you to the actual measures you can take.
