What are the differences between UVA and UVB rays? Are both potentially harmful?
Ok, here’s the easy way that I like to remember this: UVA= Aging. UVA rays are a smaller wavelength which can penetrate and damage the cell. UVA rays damage skin cells and have the potential to cause cell mutation. UVB= Burning. UVB rays are a larger wavelength, and easily burn the surface of the skin. **most important to note** In the US the FDA requires SPF factor is tested for UVB protection ONLY. When purchasing a sunscreen make sure you have a BROAD SPECTRUM or UVA/UVB coverage. you can easily find this in a Physical or Mineral Sunscreen (physical/mineral are interchangable words for sunscreens that “reflect” UV rays rather than absorb them.) Both popular mineral ingredients (zinc/titanium) offer protection in both UVA/UVB range. i’ve been using a mineral sunscreen by trukid. it’s a kids’ sunscreen but it smells great and offers broad spectrum (uva/uvb) protection.
