UVB Rays
 
Since UVB rays are absorbed into the epidermis, they can cause skin cancer by altering the normally well organized behavior of the cells. It is as if the cells of the skin are panicking in response to the continuous abuse of the UVB rays.

The incidence of skin cancer doubles every 300 miles (485 km) we move closer to the equator.

The absorption of UVB rays in the epidermis also causes pigment cells to become less efficient and uniform in producing melanin. The demand for overtime production due to UVB rays results in inefficiencies and causes blotchy discoloration of the skin.

The sun is not the only source of UVB light rays in our environment. The tungsten halogen lamp, which is in common use in our offices and homes, transmits UVB rays through the protective quartz lining on the inside of the glass bulbs. The purpose of the quartz lining is to prevent the glass from melting because the energy emitted is very hot. However, the amount of UVB emitted from a 50 watt halogen lamp at a 25 centimeter distance can be equal to that emitted by the summer sun. To prevent this hazardous effect a UVB protected glass should be installed in front of the lamp.

Not only are UVB rays absorbed into the epidermis, but they continue on through to the dermis. Here the UVB rays wreak havoc. By breaking down the collagen and elastin building blocks, they cause wrinkles by clumping up the protein, UVB causes the skin to take on a thick leathery textures and, by weakening the walls of small blood vessels, web like lines known as spider veins form on the surface of the skin. These characteristics often do not appear for months, years, or even decades after the sun exposure.