What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sun. They have wavelengths shorter than visible light, ranging from 10 to 400 nanometers. UV rays are of three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC, categorized based on their wavelength and ability to penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere.

Recommended – Try Mamaearth’s Vitamin C Daily Glow Sunscreen with SPF 50 & PA+++ Protection to stay safe from UV rays.

Types of UV rays 

1. UVA: UVA rays have the extreme wavelength among the three types and are the least energetic, penetrating deep into the skin. They can pass through clouds and glass, making them a constant threat even on overcast days. UVA rays are the main reason you may experience signs of premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and skin cancer.

2.UVB: UVB rays have a shorter wavelength but are more energetic. They are partially absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, so they can primarily cause sunburns. However, like UVA, UVB rays also play a crucial role in developing skin cancer, including basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, UVB rays can wreak havoc on your overall health by damaging the immune system.

3.UVC: UVC rays have the shortest wavelength among the three but with the highest energy. Fortunately, UVC rays are almost entirely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere so they do not enter the surface. Nevertheless, these rays are responsible for skin damage and eye injuries. 

Impact of UV Rays on Human Health

Excessive exposure to UV rays can have significant effects on human health. Here is how these rays can impact our health in many unhealthy ways:-

1.Skin Damage: UV rays can directly damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations responsible for skin cancer. They can also break down collagen and elastin fibers, causing the skin to age prematurely. 

2.Sunburn: Sunburn occurs when the skin is susceptible to excessive UVB rays. It causes redness, pain, swelling, and blistering. The condition can be extremely painful and sometimes require medical intervention. 

Tip: If sunburn has caused you redness, you can apply aloe vera face gel on the affected area. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe inflammation and redness caused by sun rays. 

3.Eye Damage: UV rays can also damage eye functioning. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause conditions such as cataracts, pterygium (growth on the white part of the eye), and macular degeneration, leading to vision loss.

4.Weakened Immune System: UV rays can suppress the immune system, making you prone to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

5.Photosensitivity: Some people are more receptive to UV rays and may experience an allergic reaction or skin rash when exposed to UV rays.

uv rays

5 Smart Ways to Protect Yourself from the Negative Impact of UV Rays

It is crucial to take the following precautions if you want to shield your skin from sun rays:-

1.Wear your SPF: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB rays before stepping outside. Reapply every two hours if you are sweating or are swimming. 

2.Seek shade: Limit exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours when the UV radiation is direct (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

3.Wear protective clothing: Shield your skin with long-sleeved cotton shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to protect your face, neck, ears, arms, and legs. 

4.Use sunglasses with UV protection: Look for wraparound sunglasses that do not let UVA and UVB rays enter and harm your eyes.

5.Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds primarily emit UV radiation and elevate the risk of skin cancer. It is best to avoid using them altogether to ensure UV rays protection. 

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The Role of Sunscreen in Reversing the Damage Caused by the UV Rays 

As shown on its label, sunscreen comes with a Sun Protection Factor, i.e., SPF 15, 20, 30, or 50. But have you ever wondered what that means? SPF stands for sun protection factor. So, it signifies the amount of protection against UVB rays. But, at the same time, no SPF can block 100% UVB rays. So, an SPF 30 provides protection against 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 or more blocks about 98% of UVB rays. 

An ideal skincare routine to reverse sun tan

Although sun tan goes on its own due to the skin’s cell turnover process, taking care of your skin is still an important thing to do. This is because human skin sheds and produces millions of cells every day. So when the new cells are replaced with the existing ones, your skin tone automatically brightens. 

If you want to boost the skin cell turnover process, here is a 5-step skincare routine you may follow:

1.Cleansing: Cleansing your skin twice a day helps ward off dust, grime, and makeup residue from the skin. We recommend using a sulfate-free face wash to cleanse the skin pores and stimulate blood circulation. This will allow an SPF to do its magic on the skin.

2.Exfoliating: Exfoliation means shedding off the dead skin cells that are no longer needed and replacing them with healthy cells. A face scrub boosts the skin cell turnover and restores an amazing glow. It also lightens sun tan over time.

3.Toning: Although using a face toner seems optional, you can still benefit from the role it has to play in skincare. A toner unclogs pores so that other products in skincare can penetrate the skin and work well. 

4.Moisturizing: Moisturizing your skin prepares it to withstand any external damage. Pollution and dust disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, allowing UVA and UVB rays to enter the skin easily. So, a face moisturizer ensures that your skin’s protective barrier remains intact. 

5.Protection: Lastly comes the SPF itself. Dermatologists recommend wearing SPF even when sitting at home or in front of a laptop or computer. 

Additionally, a face mask can help enhance your skin’s radiance and lighten the effects of sun tan. You can use a natural face mask twice weekly to improve your skin tone. 

Mamaearth’s Best-sellers: Sunscreen for Skin Protection

1.Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Sunscreen

This Vitamin C Daily Glow Sunscreen has SPF 50 & PA+++. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that reverses free radical damage in the skin, giving you a brighter skin tone. It features Turmeric and Vitamin C to help heal sunburn and shield skin against UVA & UVB rays. It has a lightweight consistency and non-sticky texture that instantly gets absorbed without any white cast. It is MadeSade Certified and dermatologically tested to suit all skin types. 

Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Sunscreen

Vitamin C Daily Glow Sunscreen

SPF 50 & PA+++ Protection | Adds Natural Glow

Price ₹ 349.00
Quantity 50g
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2.Mamaearth Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen

Made with natural ingredients like Carrot Seed Oil, Turmeric, and Orange Oil, this SPF 50 Sunscreen provides PA+++ protection. It is best suited for harsh Indian weather where sun rays can sink into the skin, harming the cells. Mamaearth Ultra Light Sunscreen prevents UVA & UVB damage for up to 6 hours. 

It is lightweight and doesn’t dry out or leave patches, keeping your skin moisturized for long. It is best suited for all skin types because it is free from silicones, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and artificial colors. 

Mamaearth Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen

Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen

Packed with SPF 50 | Long Lasting Sun Protection

Price ₹ 499.00
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3.Mamaearth HydraGel Indian Sunscreen

It is extremely hydrating, featuring Raspberry, Aloe Vera, and Glycerin. It helps ward off signs of premature aging due to the presence of potent antioxidants. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays and keeps the skin healthy & rejuvenated. It is specifically formulated keeping in mind the needs of Indian skin. The product is also dermatologically tested and best suits all skin types. It contains no harsh chemicals or toxins. 

Mamaearth HydraGel Indian Sunscreen

HydraGel Indian Sunscreen

Shields from UVA & UVB Rays | Non-Sticky & Light

Price ₹ 399.00
Quantity 50g
Available Offer 35% Off
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Summary

The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the skin’s health in numerous ways, so wearing SPF should be an important part of your skincare routine. Additionally, cover yourself with protective clothing, wear a hat, and drink lots of water to safeguard yourself from the ill effects of UV rays. Happy skincare!

FAQ:

  1. Which layer protects us from UV rays?

    The stratospheric ozone layer in the atmosphere acts as a protective shield against harsh UV rays. It blocks the rays from entering the Earth’s atmosphere and harming living organisms. 

  2. How does the ozone layer protect us from UV rays?

    The ozone layer can absorb a portion of the radiation emitted from the sun, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface. Majorly, it absorbs the portion of UV light called UVB. UVB is a type of UV ray from the sun that has potentially harmful effects.

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