UVA and UVB rays are the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that produce aging of the skin and skin cancer. We need UV radiation to produce Vitamin D but we need it in moderation. So what is the difference between UVB and UVA rays? UVB rays are shorter therefore not penetrating very deeply and hit the skin superficially. These rays cause the skin to burn and cause mutations that lead to skin cancer in the epidermis. UVA rays are longer waves so they penetrate deeper into the dermis layer of the skin and cause the skin to tan but also cause destruction of collagen and elastic tissue leading to wrinkled crepy skin.

Sunscreen is very important to prevent damage to the skin and is a very important part of protecting yourself from UV Damage.

Did you know?

Physical sunscreens are best as they block both UVA & UVB rays by coating the skin. The 2 physical sunscreens are zinc oxide & titanium dioxide. Now zinc and titanium are micronized into small particles so there is no white sheen left on the skin.
If you are out in extreme heat and or humidity for more than 3 hours you need to reapply sunscreen.
There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Reapply after you get out of the water.
Yes, you need vitamin D. But you only need 15-20 minutes in the sun to get your needed vitamin D, so spare your face, neck and chest and let your arms and legs take the hit of photo-damage for 20 minutes. In the cold months you can use supplements. To ensure adequate vitamin D levels take 1000 mg per day and try to get 15-20 minutes of sun exposure.
People with dark sin need sunscreen too. Although their dark skin helps filter out the UVB which causes skin cancer, it doesn’t filter our UVA which causes the ageing of the skin, leading to loss of collagen & elastin & causes ruptured capillaries. Dark skin may reduce the risk of skin cancer but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of skin cancer.
Tanning beds do not provide a protective tan. Tanning beds use high concentrations of UVA to darken the skin quickly, whereas the sun has both UVA and UVB rays. You can still burn from the suns UVB rays and tanning beds cause accelerated ageing of the skin. They also significantly increase your risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
You will still tan while wearing sunscreen. No sunscreen is 100% effective and infrared rays contribute to the darkening of the skin as well. So, if you don’t want to tan, cover up!
When sunscreens reach high temperatures they breakdown. so don’t keep them in your car or boat.
Windows, whether are not they offer UV protection, do not block the UV rays. So if you are sitting close to a window or driving in your car you are getting UV damage unless you are wearing sunscreen. In Dermatology, we see that patients always have more damage on their drivers side of the face. Foe us Americans that means everyone has more damage on the left side and more skin cancers are found on this side as well.