Understanding UV Rays: How to Protect Your Skin
Understand UV rays, the invisible threat to your skin. Learn their dangers, effects, and how to protect yourself with expert sun safety tips.
Read Time: 8 minutes
UV rays can be reflected off the water.
Introduction
When it comes to sun protection, most of us think about grabbing suncream or wearing a hat. But do you truly understand what you’re really protecting against? It’s the sun’s UV rays; responsible for skin damage, premature ageing, and even serious health issues like cancer. In this post, we’ll uncover what UV rays are, why they’re so dangerous, and how you can protect your skin effectively.
What Is UV Radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (otherwise known as “UV rays”) is a type of natural energy that comes from the sun. UV radiation is outside of the visible wavelengths for the human eye, and so it is invisible to us. Although we can’t see it, it has a powerful effect on our skin, eyes and overall health.
UV Index
You might have heard about the UV index on weather reports. This scale measures how strong the UV rays are on a given day in terms of their potential damage to the skin and eyes. The UV index scale starts from 0 and anything 3 or above would require extra precautions in terms of sun protection when you are outside. The higher the UV index, the greater the risk of damage to your skin and eyes.
Fun fact: the highest UV index ever recorded was 43.3 in Bolivia (2003).
The Dangers of UV Radiation
Skin Cancer
UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma (the most dangerous type), basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. UV exposure, and subsequently damage to the skin’s DNA, is cumulative so even small amounts of repeated exposure can increase your risk over time.
Cataracts
Did you know UV rays don’t just harm your skin? They can also damage your eyes, leading to cataracts and other vision issues. Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.
Ageing
If you’ve noticed wrinkles or dark spots on your skin, UV rays could be to blame. In fact, up to 80% of visible signs of ageing could be due to UV rays. These rays accelerate ageing by breaking down collagen and causing hyperpigmentation.
Who Is at a Higher Risk of UV Damage?
People with Fair Skin
Fair-skinned individuals have less melanin, and as a result less protection against UV rays. Consequently, people with fair skin are more vulnerable to UV damage and sunburns.
Outdoor Workers
People that spend large amounts of time outdoors are at risk, especially if they are in a location where the UV is high. In addition, the risk of developing UV-related health issues becomes increasingly high if the person has had a history of overexposure to UV radiation and sunburns.
History of Previous Skin Cancers
If you’ve had skin cancer before, you’re more likely to develop it again. Taking extra precautions is crucial. People with a family history of skin cancer, like myself, should also take extra precautions.
Sources of UV Radiation
The Sun
The sun is the primary source of UV radiation. The sun emits UV radiation as a form of energy that it produces.
Nail Lamps
These devices use UV light to cure gel nails. They predominantly emit UVA rays.
Are UV Nail Lamps Safe?
While the exposure is minimal, repeated use over time can increase the risk of skin damage. Applying a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ suncream to your hands before using them is a smart precaution.
UV Sterilisers
These are commonly used to disinfect objects.
Are UV Sterilisers Safe?
UV sterilisers are safe when used correctly but it is recommended to avoid direct exposure to your skin or eyes.
Sunbeds
Sunbeds emit UV rays that are often stronger than the sun’s natural rays. In fact, tanning beds emit typically 12 times more UVA than the sun emits.
Are Sunbeds Safe?
No. They significantly increase your risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
What You Need to Know About UV Rays
- Penetrate windows: UV rays can pass through glass, so sitting indoors by a sunny window or driving your car doesn’t mean you’re protected.
- Penetrate clouds: Even on overcast days, over 50% of UV rays are still reaching your skin.
- Reflection increases exposure: Surfaces like water, snow, and sand can reflect UV rays, significantly increasing your exposure.
- Altitude increases UV intensity: The higher you go, the stronger the UV rays, so take extra precautions when hiking or skiing.
How to Protect Yourself from the Sun’s UV Rays
Sun Protective Clothing
Wearing clothing with a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is one of the most effective ways to shield your skin. Think of sun protective clothing like suncream but better and never wears off! You can find the highest performing UPF 50+ sun protective clothing at Equatorsun.
Suncream
Always apply suncream with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Don’t forget often-missed spots like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.
Eye Protection
Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses (look for UV400 rated sunglasses). Wraparound styles offer the best coverage, shielding your eyes from every angle.
Checking the UV Index
Get into the habit of checking the UV index daily. If it’s high (3 or higher), consider staying in the shade or wearing additional protection. The sun’s UV rays are most intense around 10am to 4pm so be extra cautious around this time. Check out our calculator to see roughly how fast you will burn wherever you are in the world!
FAQs
UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, are a type of invisible radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources like sunbeds and UV lamps. They penetrate the skin and eyes, causing damage that can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. UV rays are classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays reach the surface, making sun protection essential for your health.
Use a combination of sun protective clothing, suncream, and seeking shade when possible. Check the UV index before going outside and take extra precautions if the UV index is 3 or higher.
Yes, clothes can block UV rays, but the level of protection depends on the fabric. Tightly woven fabrics, darker colours, and specialised UPF-rated clothing offer the best protection. For the best UV defence, choose UPF 50+ clothing like the range available at Equatorsun, which blocks 98% of harmful UV rays.
Conclusion
UV rays might be invisible, but their effects are anything but. Protecting yourself from UV radiation is essential for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Whether it’s through sun protective clothing, suncream, or UV-blocking sunglasses, taking action today can save you from serious health issues down the line and keep you looking young!