Project MAKE SPF YOUR BFF: UVA and UVB radiation - which is worse?

What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet rays are a type of solar radiation. There are three distinct types: UVA, UVB and UVC. Fortunately, we are not in any danger from UVC rays because they are blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. However, UVA and UVB rays are quite a problematic pair.

They can damage the skin, eyes and immune system and cause sunburn, skin cancer and other health problems. While they are necessary for life, it is better to protect yourself from them with a good quality broad spectrum SPF face cream, i.e. one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You can recognise these by the broad spectrum or UVB/UVA or SPF/PA+ written on them. Preferably choose protective creams PA+++ or PA++++.

PA rating levels:

• PA+ = low UVA protection.
• PA++ = medium UVA protection.
• PA+++ = high UVA protection.
• PA++++ = extremely high UVA protection.

UVA radiation

UVA rays make up about ninety-five percent of the radiation we are exposed to every day. Yes, every day. UVA rays are always around us. Even if it's cloudy, raining or you can't see your own nose through the fog. And they also penetrate through glass. And if you can't hide from them properly, it's good to pour yourself some wine and tell yourself what unpleasant things they can do to your skin and you.

It's well remembered by uvA. A for ageing. Yes, ageing. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, damaging collagen fibres and leading to premature ageing of your complexion and skin all over your body. You can expect an accelerated onset of wrinkles and pigment spots. They can also cause a sun allergy and lead to skin cancer.

This means that, if you defend your face and body from these rays, you will be (almost) forever young.

The best broad spectrum protective face creams

UVB radiation

UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays and do not penetrate as deeply into the skin. They can neither penetrate clouds nor glass, so you're safe from them when it's cloudy. So, what kind of mischief can they cause? Let's help each other out again. B for burning. Yes, sunburn. UVB rays are directly responsible for skin redness, sunburn and other changes on the skin's surface. And, of course, they can lead to skin cancer.

UVB rays are strongest at the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are most intense from April to October, and during this period it is important to take extra protection between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UVB rays are also much stronger at high altitude, so skiers and hikers should not forget to apply a good cream on their face. Snow, sand and water also reflect UV rays, so it is really important to protect yourself in such conditions with special SPF creams. 

The best broad-spectrum body creams

Now you see why you can't be out without an SPF. In the next episode of our MAKE SPF YOUR BFF project, we'll look at the difference between chemical and physical filters.