3 Things to Know About UV Rays

Saturday, September 30th, 2017

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun there is a tremendous amount of misinformation on the internet, in published articles and passed from person to person. Most physicians, and even some dermatologists and plastic surgeons, haven’t taken the time to learn all the new information available. We now know that sunscreen is not only your skin’s best defense against getting sunburned, it is vitally important on a daily basis and year around to prevent sun damage and aging. This is because there are two harmful rays. UVB that cause sunBurn and UVA that cause skin cell injury and Aging. This article will list three things for you to know about UVA rays. Read on to learn more.

1. They Are Present All Day Every Day

Some people assume that if they are going to spend time outside, they should only do so during the early morning or the later afternoon. This is a carryover from thinking only about UVB rays that are 90-95% absorbed by the atmosphere depending on the latitude and time of day and year. They are stronger midday, down south and in the summer. The reason that sunburn occurs is that 70% of UVB rays (basically a form of energy) are absorbed in the outermost layer of the skin. However, UVA rays are present all day, all year and at all latitudes, essentially everywhere you have light from the sun. So, even during those times when you are not likely to get a sunburn, you need to make sure that you are keeping your skin protected with a hat, a UVA blocking sunscreen like the new clear zinc oxide, and protective clothes.

2. They Can Get In Through the Windows

Many people assume that if they are spending time in the car or indoors that they are automatically shielded from the sun. However, when it comes to the sun, there is no such thing as hiding when there are windows around. In fact, most people get a lot of sun damage from driving down the road or even sitting next to their living room window.

3. They Cause Direct Tissue Damage

UV rays don’t just cause sunburns and freckles. In fact, the damage that they do penetrates a lot deeper than you may be aware. UVA rays cause direct skin tissue damage along with the release of free oxygen radicals which damage normal skin cells in the process. They cause thickening of the outer dead cell layer of the skin that gives your skin dullness, injury to the pigment cell that causes freckles and dark spots, thinning of the dermis, the support layer of the skin, causing wrinkles, production of abnormal capillary blood vessels causing redness of the skin and injury to the various cells of the skin which can eventually result in skin cancer.

UVA rays are the number one enemy of your skin. Not only can sun damage causes premature aging, fine lines and wrinkles and sun spot, but it can also result in more serious things like skin cancer. If you would like to learn more about how you can take better care of your skin and/or how you can reverse the damage you already have, contact the Center For Plastic Surgery today!