Facts About Sun Exposure

The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage.

Sunlight contains three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

  1. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth) in almost equal intensity all year long, they make up the majority of our sun exposure. To protect against UVA, you need to protect yourself year round regardless of where you live in the US and what time of year it is.

  2. UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts, and immune system damage. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage. The intensity of UVB rays can vary throughout the year depending on factors such as season, cloud cover, latitude, etc.

  3. UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

As you can see, protecting your family from exposure to both UVA and UVB rays is critical.