Sun protection and why the difference between UVA and UVB matters
Many people believe that going to an indoor tanning bed is safer than spending time outside in the sun, when in fact, the exact opposite is true. The reason why involves the differences between UVA and UVB rays, according to Miami Herald.
UVA rays
Tanning beds use UVA rays. UVA light has the longest wavelength among the UV rays the sun emits. They are used in tanning beds, because they darken the skin without causing visible skin redding or sunburn usually associated with UVB rays.
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However, these rays are more damaging than UVA rays, because they can reach deeper layers of skin, which causes deeper dermal layers damage. The fact that your skin doesn’t turn red makes you unaware of the damage. UVA rays are a major cause of DNA damage and mutations – which further result in cancer, skin ageing and sun spots.
UVB rays
The have the second longest wavelength among the UV rays. Spending too much time in the sun will cause a painful sunburn, which acts as a warning sign that you need to take a break. They do not penetrate the dermis of the skin as deeply as UVA rays, so the damage is less severe, but they can still cause cancer and skin ageing.
How to protect your skin
If you want to protect your skin against UV radiation, you should avoid the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, antioxidants and retinoids. When given the possibility to choose between going out in the sun and using a tanning bed, choose the sun. If you want to get vitamin D or a tan from exposing yourself to the sun, you should take into consideration some tips to protect your skin:
- Exposing your arms and legs to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes is enough to get the vitamin D your body needs.
- Use sunscreen on your face and neck at all times, so you won’t have to face wrinkles, sagging and sun spots
- Apply an SPF to the rest of your body
- Reapply the sunscreen every 45 minutes and after going in the water
- Apply a topical antioxidant like Vitamin C or Argan Oil to your skin to prevent damage
- Drink green tea to boost the skin’s antioxidant activity
- Use a retinoid at night to minimise the damage, as it will turn off some of the bad genes turned on by UV light
- Avoid eating limes, celery or figs in the sun, cause they make your skin more sensitive
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