What is UV?

What is UVA & UVB?

An easy way to remember what the difference between the two ultra-violet rays are: UVA affects skin AGEING while & UVB will cause skin BURNING.

Because both UVA and UVB rays are harmful you need protection from both kinds of rays. To make sure you’re getting effective UVA as well as UVB coverage look for a sunscreen that is labelled "broad spectrum" which means it protects you from both.

UV levels are highest during the middle of the day and vary in strength depending on the season and your location. For the safety of your skin, check the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s daily forecast for sun protection times in your area before you go outside.

Diagram of epidermis and UVA penetration

When UVA rays reach your skin:

UVA rays penetrate very deep into the cells of the dermis. They create free radicals and can damage cells in the long term – as such they may accelerate ageing effects!

Diagram of epidermis and UVB penetration

UVB – BE CAREFUL OF THE SUN'S DAMAGING RAYS

UVB rays only penetrate the epidermis. They are responsible for sun-induced skin damage – sunburns!

EFFECTS OF UV RADIATION AND HOW SUNSCREEN CAN HELP

UV radiation from direct and indirect sunlight is always all around us. The effects of UV intensity can be invisible and unnoticeable. The intensity of the UVB rays changes over the day - it can be up to 150 times stronger at midday than at 6 a.m. UVA rays are open to far fewer fluctuations. It is therefore important to always protect yourself from them.

Sunscreen protects your skin against damage caused by exposure to UV rays by means of UVA and UVB filters that can absorb and reflect harmful UV light. When you apply sunscreen, the UV filters form a thin, protective barrier on the surface of your skin.

The intensity of uv radiation

When does the sun shine at its brightest?

What is UV index?

It tells you about the times during the day that you need to protect yourself from UV radiation. (Sun protection times are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 or above)

When to use UV Index?

UV radiation reaches us at varying intensities, both directly from the sun and indirectly, for example, through reflection off the sand on the beach. The intensity depends on many factors, including the time of year and the time of day, reflective surfaces, the distance from the equator and the height above sea level. The intensity of UV radiation is therefore different depending on the time, place, and surroundings.

Check your weather app each day for the UV ratings

There May Be Radiation from The Sun Even when The Sun Is Not Out

The intensity of UVB radiation, is at its highest during the summer months, at around midday, close to the equator, at higher altitudes, as well as in or near water, snow or other highly reflective surfaces.

Why you need uv protection.

Learn about the potential dangers of UV rays.

Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation

THE SKIN AGEING PROCESS

UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply – all the way into the dermis. Although we are usually not aware of them because they don’t cause sunburn, they form free radicals which are able to damage cells and DNA. This can lead to allergies and skin ageing: about 80% of wrinkles are caused by UVA light.

The intensity of ultraviolet change over the course of the day

SKIN DAMAGE

The sun rays stimulate the skin’s vitamin D production which is particularly important for bone stability and our health in general. But you should always be cautious of the risks of UV rays. Because of their high energy levels, UVB rays can directly damage the DNA, which can lead to skin damage.

Always read the label and follow the directions of use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently