UVA Rays
 
Recent research into the impact of UVA rays has shown this wavelength may be as harmful to skin as are the UVB rays. This is important to know since many suntan parlors use UVA wavelength bulbs..UVA is absorbed into the epidermis and passes through to the dermis. It does this much more efficiently and in much greater amounts than UVB rays. This realization has changed the "safe sun" rules.

UVA rays are high in intensity all day long, and not just between 10 am and 2 pm as are the UVB rays.

UVA rays are similar in intensity from one season to another, while UVB rays are less intense during the winter months.

UVA rays are similar in intensity in any geographic location between the two poles whereas UVB rays become more intense as the equator is approached.

The sun also affects the immune System. UVB and, in particular, UVA rays can damage the Langerhans cells which are important components of the immune system within the skin. Their role is to recognize threats to the body in the form of viruses and other diseases. These cells then set the defense system in motion by instructing white cells, the soldiers of our immune system, to search and destroy if the Langerhans cells are wounded, they become inefficient or ineffective in fulfilling their role. Ultraviolet light can damage white blood cells as well, rendering them impotent in the face of the enemy The result is that cells normally held in check may be given an opportunity to grow uncontrollably as is the case with cancer. In addition, as damage to the Langerhans cells and the white cells reduces the overall effectiveness of the immune system, we may become more susceptible to viruses and other diseases.

Home Skin Care| Skin Structure| Skin changes with time| Acne |Wrinkles|Vascular changes in the Skin |Redundant Skin |Stretch Marks |Leg Veins |Cellulite|Age Spots |Skin Tags |Skin Cancers |UVB Rays |UVA Rays| UVC Rays |Protection with Sunscreens |When to wear Sunscreen |How to apply a Sunscreen |What to do if you forget your Sunscreen |Are Sunscreens Safe |How to be safe in the Sun | Protection with sun Blocks |Protection with glasses and clothing| Tanning| Beyond the Sun| Skin Care Products| Cleansers| Soaps| Abrasive Bars and Cleansers| Cleansing Cream and Lotions| Choosing the right Cleanser| Skin Rashes| Eczema| Keratosis Pilaris | Psoriasis| Ringworm| Tinea Versicolor | Pyodermas | Viral Infections of the Skin | Scabies| Dry Skin| Oily Skin| Skin Problems| Skin Rashes| Skin Infections| Procedure for cleansing the Skin| Astringents and Toners| Moisturizers| Choosing a Moisturizers| Makeup| Facial| Sitemap

  © 2009 amyantiaging.com. All Rights Reserved.

Unlike UVB, UVA rays can penetrate through glass and plastic.

UVA and UVB rays can both be damaging to the eyes, as they are able to penetrate the protective covering of the eye known as the cornea. The resulting damage to the lens and the retina may cause cataracts and visual acuity problems. Since UVA rays pass through glass and plastic, many sunglasses are ineffective against them.