UV stands for ultraviolet light. It is a form of electromagnetic radiation produced as part of the light spectrum by the sun. There are three forms of the radiation, known as UVA, UVB and UVC. Of these three, we are most exposed to UVA radiation. The atmosphere of our planet blocks nearly all of the other two spectrums, which is a good thing since UVA is the weakest of the three forms of radiation.
For most people, the dose of ultraviolet light on an average day is actually quite small, but the effects can add up over time. This is particularly true if you actively seek out the sun through sun bathing and such. Over time, UVA radiation acts upon the collagen in the epidermis of your skin. It does not cause a sunburn, but it penetrates deeply into the layers of the skin and causes damage. The damage can include premature aging of the skin, DNA damage that can result in mutations and possible skin cancer. Because of this, it is vital that you use sun block that is oriented to provide protection against UVA. Most sun blocks are tailored to UVB protection, which simply is not enough protection.
The human body has a natural method of protecting itself from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. You probably already know what it is ? tanning. When you tan, your skin color turns to a darker brown shade. The body accomplishes this by producing melanin in the skin, the functional cause of the change of color. The more melanin produced, the darker your skin turns and the more protection there is against ultraviolet light penetration.
So, do you want to block all ultraviolet light from your skin? Oddly, the answer is no. The reason has to do with how your body processes ultraviolet. In nominal amounts, the UV light is actually beneficial because the body uses it to produce Vitamin D. Without Vitamin D, you can develop Rickets or other problems with the strength of your bones.
At the end of the day, getting outdoors is a good thing. It is wise, however, to use a sun block that will protect you from ultraviolet radiation.
The sun is our primary natural source of UV radiation. However there are several artificial sources including tanning booths, black lights, curing lamps, halogen lights, fluorescent and incandescent sources, and some types of lasers. Unique hazards apply to the different sources depending on the wavelength range of the emitted UV radiation. The sun though is probably the greatest source of UV radiation for most of us.
UV light causes sunburns, which in turn can lead to skin cancer because of the damage done to the skin. Skin cancer is very slow to develop and can take up to twenty years. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin, starting with children and the use of sunscreen. The level of UV light now is higher than it was 50 years ago due to the reduction of ozone. The ozone is a screen like layer that is there to reduce the amount of UV light that people are exposed to.
UV radiation can be divided into three categories based on their wavelength. These are UVC, UVB, and UVA. UVC radiation is 100-290nm and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer therefore has no effect on our skin. UVB radiation is 290-320nm and can effect the outer layer of our skin, or the epidermis. This is what causes sunburns. UVA radiation is 320-400nm and studies are showing can be a huge contributor to skin damage. Some of the damage that is done by either the UVB or UVA is wrinkling of the skin, decreased immunity, aging skin problems, and of coarse cancer.
There are some positive uses in UV rays, such as rays are necessary for our bodies to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to strengthen bones and helps our immunity. UV light can also be used for a skin disorder called psoriasis. In psoriasis, the skin shades cells prematurely, and dry scaley patches develop. Bees use UV light to find honey. UV rays can help in sterilizing medical equipment. All of this proves good, as long as we take care of ourselves and protect our skin and also our eyes, so not to produce the negative effects of these rays.
This was just some of the dangers of what UV radiation can do to us. A few positive points also, but remember, it's your skin. Here are some ways that you can reduce the amount of radiation on your skin is to minimize your exposure to sun. First, try to stay out of the summer sun especially during the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to any area exposed to the sun. Even on cloudy days you must apply sunscreen. Then, reapply the sunscreen about every two hours and after any swimming or heavy perspiration. Hats should be worn to shade you face and neck. Try to avoid tanning beds or sunlamps.
Both John Grimes & Gregg Hall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Grimes has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Common Cold and Types of Cancer. John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural products for the outdoors.. John Grimes's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
Gregg Hall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lingerie, Desserts and Mortgage. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as at http://www.whole-sale-sunglasses.com. Gregg Hall's top article generates over 3350000 views. to your Favourites.