Understanding UV Radiation and Its Impact on Skin Health
What is UV Light?
The rays of the sun are electromagnetic waves. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 100 and 400 nanometers. This range of wavelengths is also called ultraviolet radiation (UV). It includes both UVA and UVB rays, the two types of UV light that impact your skin.
UV sources include:
The sun - this is the most apparent source of UV exposure. Still, it's important to note that on overcast days or at night, when there isn't direct sunlight hitting you, you can still be exposed to harmful rays by reflecting off clouds or other surfaces. While excessive exposure may cause health issues, not all UV light is bad for the body. UV light from the sun helps to trigger the body's production of vitamin D and endorphins.
Tanning beds - these devices emit primarily UVA and some UVB rays; they're used in salons as an alternative method for getting tanned without spending time outdoors in direct sunlight.
Nail Lamps – manicure tools used to cure various nail polishes. LED lamps are alternatives to UV lamps without exposure to UV light.
Welding arcs and UV sanitizers are a few other sources of artificial UV exposure.
How Does UV Light Damage the Skin?
UV radiation causes the formation of free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage other molecules in the body (Mahto, 2018). These effects are harmful to skin cells. UV light can also wreak havoc on your body by causing cell injury and damage to your DNA (Mahto, 2018).
Sagging, thin skin, pigment changes, eye disease, and wrinkles can form due to the breakdown of your skin's collagen, a result of UV lights activating enzymes (Mahto, 2018). Studies have found that UV radiation causes an accumulation of progerin, a type of protein (Mahto, 2018). Progerin may limit the duration of skin cells and alter their ability to regenerate.
UV radiation is linked to the three most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Genetics also plays a factor in the development of UV-related skin diseases.
UV intensity, which can be measured using a UV index, always depends on the following factors: region, time, day, and elevation.
The effects of UV radiation on the skin depend on how long you are exposed to it, how often you're exposed, and what type of protection you have on. Additionally, the amount and type of melanin in your body helps to determine your UV sensitivity.
Preventing UV Light Damage to the Skin
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, plays a large part in protecting your body from the effects of UV light. First, we can work on limiting our UV light exposure. Check the UV index in your area using apps such as UV Index Widget or AccuWeather. Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen and other protective products. Read the labels of skincare and cosmetic products and look for the sun-protecting active ingredient. Wear clothing and accessories for UV protection. It is essential to consider environmental factors such as diet, pollution, and smoking (Mahto, 2018).
Prevention is key.
Stay tuned for more information on sun protection.
References
D'Orazio, J., Jarrett, S., Amaro-Ortiz, A., & Scott, T. (2013). UV radiation and the skin. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(6), 12222–12248. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms140612222
Mahto, A. (2018). The Skincare Bible, Penguin Random House.
World Health Organization. (2023). Ultraviolet Radiation. WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/ultraviolet-radiation#tab=tab_1
