What is UV radiation?

Emissions from the sun include light (visible radiation), heat (infrared radiation) and UV radiation. We cannot see or feel UV radiation.

UV radiation is made up of UVA, UVB and UVC. As sunlight passes through the atmosphere, all UVC and 90% of UVB is absorbed by ozone, water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide. UVA is not filtered as significantly by the atmosphere.

What are the differences between UVA and UVB?

UVA accounts for 95% of the UV radiation reaching the earth's surface. It can penetrate deeper layers of skin than UVB, is responsible for immediate tanning, and contributes to skin ageing and wrinkling. For a long time it was thought that UVA could not cause any lasting damage. However, recent studies strongly suggest that it may enhance the development of skin cancer.

UVB is responsible for delayed tanning and burning; in addition to these short-term effects it enhances skin ageing and significantly promotes the development of skin cancer.

Our products offer the maximum protection available with a UPF50+ rating, which means they block out over 97.5% of all UVA and UVB radiation.

Ozone depletion and UV radiation.

The continual depletion of the ozone layer means that the protective filter activity of the atmosphere is being progressively reduced. Consequently people are being exposed to increasingly higher levels of UV radiation, especially UVB.

For further information about UV radiation:

Refer to World Health Organisation "What is UV?"