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UVA vs UVB: How each type of UV radiation affect your skin?

Reading time : 7 min

Woman's face

 

 

What is UV radiation?

 

The sun emits energy that produces heat and light. This radiation has a range of wavelengths, which is known as the solar spectrum. Some of the radiation is filtered by the atmosphere and never reaches Earth. Some is partially filtered but still has an impact on our skin. This includes UV rays, visible light and infrared¹.

 

 

 

 Ultraviolet (UVA & UVB) Cold and invisible to the human eye Approx 2-5% of solar radiation¹
 Visible light (VIS) Including blue/ HEV light Approx 47% of solar radiation¹
 Infrared (IR) Invisible but can be felt because of the heat produced Approx 51% of solar radiation¹

 

 

UV radiation is divided into:

  • Short and long UVA comprising 95% of UV¹, which can pass through windows and clouds 
  • UVB with a shorter wavelength than UVA, representing 5% of UV¹, which emits a lot of energy but doesn’t penetrate as deeply 
  • UVC with a short wavelength – it is extremely dangerous but doesn’t reach the Earth’s surface as it is filtered by ozone in the atmosphere

 

 

What is the difference between UVA and UVB?

 

 

 

 

 

Both kinds of UV radiation are harmful to the skin, but they don’t have the same impact.

  • UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and have a long-term impact because of their oxidative effect². By generating free radicals³, they trigger accelerated photoageing⁴ and damage the body’s collagen and elastin production, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation marks. They may also contribute to the development of skin cancer over time⁴. 
  • UVB rays provoke sunburn in the short term⁴ and play a direct role in the development of skin cancer and cataracts in the longer term⁵. As a high energy source, UVB rays cause direct DNA damage⁴ᐟ⁵ leading to genetic alterations that can contribute to different forms of skin cancer such as melanoma.

 

 

 

UVA rays have a wavelength between 315-400 nm (nm = nanometre). Short UVA rays between 315-340 nm mostly reach the epidermis, while long UVA rays between 340-400 nm penetrate deep into the dermis.

  • Impacts on skin: ageing including wrinkles and sagging, pigmentation marks, oxidative stress, inflammation and in the longer term, a greater risk of skin cancer 

 

UVB rays have a wavelength between 280 and 315 nm. They reach the epidermis and superficial skin layers. They can also affect the eye lens.

  • Impacts on skin: sunburn, genetic alternations responsible for some skin cancers and cataracts 

 

A combination of UVA and UVB rays amplifies the damaged caused, particularly to DNA⁴, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.

 

 

 

 

UVA rays represent around 95 % of the UV radiation that reach the Earth’s surface, UVB makes up the remaining 5%. Sun protection based on the SPF system was initially developed to protect against sunburn – so therefore UVB radiation. Today, we have a much better understanding of the impact of solar radiation on skin, and modern sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection. They are designed to protect against UVB, UVA, visible light and infrared.

 

The aim? Provide comprehensive protection against the negative impacts of the solar radiation including sunburn, but also premature skin ageing and longer-term consequences for the skin and health.

 

 

 

With a shorter wavelength than UVA rays, UVB radiation penetrates the skin less deeply. However, the rays have a lot of energy meaning that, in high quantities, they are dangerous for the skin. UVB radiation can damage the body’s genome as it is absorbed directly by DNA in skin cells, provoking reactions that can alter its structure⁶ and increases the risk of cancer in the long term. 

 

 

 

Why do we need protection against infrared and visible light?

 

 

The effects of UVA and UVB are now well known, but other types of radiation can also damage the skin and present health risks. Recent research has focused on the negative impacts of visible light and infrared radiation.

  • Visible light (400-700 nm) represents around 50%⁷ of oxidative stress triggered by solar radiation. In particular, blue light or high-energy visible light (400-450 nm)⁸ generates free radicals⁹ in the skin⁷ and can lead hyperpigmentation like melasma⁴. Exposure to visible light outside is more intense than indoors and therefore more harmful to the skin¹⁰. 
  • Infrared (760 nm-1 mm) creates a warm feeling and increases the effects of UV rays by contributing to the production of free radicals, which accelerate photoageing⁹ᐟ¹¹.

 

Effective sun protection therefore needs to protect skin against visible light and infrared, as well as UVA and UVB rays. 

 

 

Photoderm XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUI SPF50+

 

How can you protect yourself from UV radiation?

 

 

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day

  • Recent studies on the effects of the sun highlight the importance of applying sun protection every day on exposed skin, throughout the year even when it is cloudy. This is particularly important if you work or spend a lot of time outside. 
  • The effects of solar radiation are cumulative. Over time, regular exposure reduces the skin’s capacity to react and defend itself. The DNA doesn’t not fully repair, and this can increase the risk of cancer. 
  • Developed by BIODERMA, PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID SPF50+ provides broad-spectrum protection against long and short UVA, UVB, infrared and visible light. This is BIODERMA’s first detox suncare for cellular protection that protects the skin from the combined effects of solar radiation and pollution. 
  • Pollution increases the impact of the sun: both indoor and outdoor air pollution contribute to oxidative stress. A combination of pollution and solar radiation has an even more harmful effect on skin¹²ᐟ¹³. 
  • PHOTODERM XDEFENSE ULTRA-FLUID SPF50+ is also available available in a tinted version with 4 different shades – replacing your usual foundation or base makeup.

 

 

 

Experience XDefense

 

 

 

 

 

Wear sunglasses

 

 

UV radiation can also damage your eyes. Always wear sunglasses with effective filters. UV can contribute to:

  • Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea 
  • Cataracts, premature ageing and clouding of the lens 
  • AMD, age-related macular degeneration

 

 

Wear protective clothing

 

 

If you are going to be outside for an extended period, clothing provides the most effective barrier against the sun’s rays.

  • Trousers and long sleeves 
  • Light, natural, breathable materials 
  • Wide-brimmed hat that protects the face and neck 
  • Remember to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas
Woman smiling

 

Avoid the sun when UV rays are strongest

 

It is best to keep out of the sun when it is at its hottest and most dangerous:

  • The intensity of radiation varies depending on the latitude, season and time of day 
  • The UV Index tells you how intense the radiation is in a particular destination, on a particular day 
  • Avoid being in the sun between 10am and 4pm, when the risk of sun damage to the skin is greatest 
  • Remember that intense solar radiation is reflected by sand, water and snow, even in the shade 
  • Apply an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly regardless of the weather 

 

Skip the tanning beds

 

 

The artificial UV rays used in tanning salons present the same health risks as natural UV radiation. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's bust sun exposure myths!

 

 

a woman applying sunscreen

"I DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN IF IT’S CLOUDY"

 

FALSE

 

Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so your skin still needs protection even on overcast days.

 

 

 

 

DISCOVER OUR SOLUTION

woman sunbathing

 

 

"THE SUN CAUSES IRREVERSIBLE AGEING DAMAGE TO THE SKIN"

 

TRUE

 

Up to 80% of visible skin aging is caused by the sun : not only UV, but also visible light and infrared rays. These penetrate deeply, accelerating wrinkles, spots and loss of firmness over time. Daily broad-spectrum protection is essential.

 

 

SHOW MORE

 

 

 

man sunbathing

 

"DARK SKINS DON’T NEED SUNSCREEN"

 

FALSE

 

While darker skin has more natural melanin, it can still suffer from sun damage, ageing and even skin cancer.

 

LEARN MORE

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¹Passeron, T., Krutmann, J., Andersen, M. L., Katta, R., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2020). Clinical and biological impact of the exposome on the skin. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34(S4), 4–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16614

²Deparois, M. (2014). LES EFFETS DES RAYONNEMENTS ULTRAVIOLETS SUR LA PEAU : LES CONSEILS DU PHARMACIEN D'OFFICINE

³Jeanmougin. (2000). Peau et soleil. Encyclopédie Médico-Chirurgicale, 468874, 8

⁴Passeron, T., Krutmann, J., Andersen, M. L., Katta, R., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2020). Clinical and biological impact of the exposome on the skin. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34(S4), 4–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16614

⁵Guan, L. L., Lim, H. W., & Mohammad, T. F. (2021). Sunscreens and Photoaging: A Review of Current Literature. In American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (Vol. 22, Issue 6, pp. 819–828). Adis. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5

⁶Douki, T., Leccia, MT., Béani, JC., Mouret, S., Cadet, J., Favier, A. (2007) Harmful effects of solar UVA radiation: new indices in DNA Med Sci (Paris) 2007 ; 23 : 124–126

⁷Zastrow, L., Groth, N., Klein, F., Kockott, D., Lademann, J., & Ferrero, L. (2009). UV, sichtbares Licht, Infrarot : Welche Wellenlängen produzieren oxidativen Stress in menschlicher Haut? Hautarzt, 60(4), 310–317. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00105-008-1628-6/METRICS

⁸Liebel. (2012). Irradiation of skin with visible light induces reactive oxygen species and ...: EBSCOhost. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

⁹Mann, T., Eggers, K., Rippke, F., Tesch, M., Buerger, A., Darvin, M. E., Schanzer, S., Meinke, M. C., Lademann, J., & Kolbe, L. (2020). High-energy visible light at ambient doses and intensities induces oxidative stress of skin—Protective effects of the antioxidant and Nrf2 inducer Licochalcone A in vitro and in vivo. Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine, 36(2), 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.12523

¹⁰Farris, P. K., & Valacchi, G. (2022). Ultraviolet Light Protection: Is It Really Enough? In Antioxidants (Vol. 11, Issue 8). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081484

¹¹Chen, J., Liu, Y., Zhao, Z., & Qiu, J. (2021). Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection. In International Journal of Cosmetic Science (Vol. 43, Issue 5, pp. 495–509). John Wiley and Sons Inc. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12728

¹²Damevska, K., Nikolovska, S., Kazandjieva, J., Trifunova, B. K., & Bocheva, G. (2019). Skin and pollution. In Advances in Integrative Dermatology (pp. 379–392). wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119476009.ch24

¹³Dreno, & Araviiskaia. (2019). The impact of airborn pollution on skin. JEADV, 33, 1496–1505. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15583