The most direct answer to keeping skin fair is probably to stay out of the sun. This however, would prove nearly impossible for people like us living in a tropical climate, so the next best option is to apply suitable sun protection.
But what exactly is suitable sun protection? What do all the terms like SPF, UVA, UVB, PA actually mean? And is exposing our skin to the sun really so bad?
Fret not, read our guide to become an expert in a jiffy!
Why Sun Exposure can harm our skin
Sunlight contains solar rays, which can penetrate skin and damage it. Besides sunburn, these rays are the main cause of wrinkling, weathering (think of how the leathery skin of folks living on highlands and mountains, areas closer to the sun) and most signs of photo-aging. Of course, problems like pigmentation or melanoma that appear as we get older can also be caused by unprotected sun exposure. So the moral of the story? Sun protection! Apply it and start early if you want to stay younger longer!
UVA
UVA stands for Ultra Violet-A, these are long wave solar waves that are less likely to cause skin darkening, but which are more dangerous as they are the main cause of photo-aging symptoms like wrinkling and leathering. And because they work so silently, and penetrate so deeply, they’re even more dangerous than the pigmentation causing UVB. At least UVB gives us a hint when it’s harming us! Studies also show that UVA not only increases UVB’s cancer-causing effects, but may even directly cause some skin cancers.
UVB
UVB stands for Ultra Violet-B. These short wave solar rays are the main cause of sunburn, skin cancer and pigmentation. So if you’re looking to keep your clear, even complexion – remember to keep those UVB rays at bay!
And here’s the Chez Moi formula to differentiate between UVA and UVB:
UVA – Ages skin, UVB - Burns skin. Easy enough?
Look out for our second instalment of this primer to learn about all those confusing sun-protection standards. SPF, PA, what? You’ll find out soon enough!
