How to Protect Your Skin From the Dangers of Ultraviolet-A (UV-A) Rays
When sunlight travels to the Earth, it comes in waves. Waves include both visible light and invisible ultraviolet radiation. On the electromagnetic spectrum, visible and UV light sit next to each other. This spectrum also includes other common forms of radiation: radio waves, microwaves, x-rays, and gamma rays.
Visible sunlight has wave lengths between 400 and 700 nanometers (nm). The shortest wavelength a visible light wave yields the color violet, and is between 400-420 nm. Ultraviolet rays travel on shorter wavelengths, ranging between 200 and 400 nm.
UV radiation is segmented into three categories:
• UV-A rays (320-400 nm) penetrate skin deeply, causing wrinkles, aging, and skin cancer.
• UV-B rays (290-320 nm) cause sunburns and also contribute to skin cancer.
• UV-C rays (200-290 nm) are potentially deadly and, luckily, are absorbed by our atmosphere.
UV-A rays are very dangerous to our skin but don't cause immediate discomfort or signs of damage, like that of UV-B-caused sunburns. The damage of UV-A rays, causing wrinkles and premature aging, are more subtle than UV-B rays, taking several years to show any impact. Consider these three super-strength facts about UV-A rays:
• Because of their elongated shape, UV-A light can penetrate clouds more effectively, impacting your skin on cloudy days.
• UV-A rays can damage your skin during daylight, whereas UV-B rays do the most damage between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• UV-A rays, unlike UV-B rays, can penetrate through most glass. You may not be getting a sunburn from sunlight coming through a window, but you can experience premature aging.
For these reasons alone, people use full-spectrum sunscreen in their daily routine.
EltaMD Full-Spectrum UV Lotions
EltaMD offers the very best in skin care, anti-aging, and photo-damage prevention. EltaMD’s complete line of moisturizers, sunblocks, and sunscreens are created with full-spectrum, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formulas that address your skin's specific needs, all the while combating the harmful effects of UV rays. Each EltaMD product is scientifically proven to improve the skin's overall condition and is safe for even the most sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV Lotions come in SPF strengths ranging from 30+ up to UV Sport SPF 50, and may be applied daily on the entire body, providing moisture and sun protection. EltaMD UV Lotion contains Z-Cote, a patented form of micronized zinc oxide that provides full spectrum UV-A and UV-B protection.
You can find EltaMD’s complete line of full-spectrum sunscreens and other anti-aging in our EltaMD department.
