The Hazards of the Sun

Q: What are the differences between UV, UVA and UVB radiation?

A: Ultraviolet light is light that we cannot see as it has a wavelength shorter than the visible light that we can see. It is divided into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC has the shortest wavelength and cannot get through the ozone layer to reach us. UVA and UVB have both been linked to skin cancer, including malignant and melanoma. Both sunbathing and using sun beds increases your skin's exposure to ultraviolet light and so increases your risk of skin cancer in addition to damaging your skin’s current condition. More specifically, UV radiation results in the following damage to the skin:

UV Radiation:
-reduces the skin’s antioxidant potential
-impairs the skin’s immune system, lowering resistence to skin disease
-can damage and/or destroy cellular membranes and/or DNA

UVA:
-favours the destruction of collagen and elastin
-causes skin wrinkling and sagging
-is present in amounts 100 times greater than UVB

UVB:
-damages and/or destroys epidermal appearance and structure
-causes the skin to burn
-leads to skin cancer
-increases hyperpigmentation

The best defence against the sun is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 as well as to limit your time in the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is most powerful. Visit http://www.lepetitspa.ca/ for more information on sun care protection or visit the spa to sample our high-quality sunscreen or our sunless tanning lotion which gives the appearance of a golden tan minus the risks to you skin!