Different Types of UV Rays | Swinyer Woseth Dermatology

Sunscreen illustration

When it comes to skin care, your dermatologist stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen because UV rays can promote premature aging and skin cancer. While there are other varieties of UV radiation, the most common ones are those that are in the form of sunlight, which produces UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Read on to learn about these types of UV rays.

UVA

UVA rays have long wavelengths, they account for most of the UV radiation that reaches the planet, and they are also used in tanning beds. Exposure to this type of radiation can contribute to sun damage and cause wrinkles and premature aging. UVA rays can penetrate the second layer of your skin and are not blocked by glass windows or clouds, so it’s important to always wear sunscreen if you’re interested in anti-aging.

UVB

While UVB rays do not account for much of the sunlight that reaches the earth, this variety of radiation can still do quite a bit of damage. UVB rays affect the uppermost layer of your skin, can damage the DNA in your skin, and are strongly linked to skin cancer. This type of radiation is the cause of most sunburns because it can start to burn skin in a little as 15 minutes if it is not protected by sunscreen. For this reason, it’s important to apply a high-quality sunscreen even when you are in the sun for only short periods.

UVC

Finally, UVC rays that are produced by the sun never reach the earth’s surface because they get absorbed by the planet’s atmosphere. For this reason, these UV rays are not normally considered a risk factor for skin cancer. However, UVC rays can be produced by devices such as welding torches and mercury lamps, and they were once used in tanning beds.

At Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology, we carry many skin care products in Salt Lake City that are designed to protect your skin from the effects of UV rays. To learn more, please give us a call today at 801-266-8841.