Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted from sunlight. The skin is delicate and is easily affected by UV rays. Be conscious and take measures on a daily basis to protect yourself from UV rays.
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Contents
What is ultraviolet light?
Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted from sunlight with a wavelength in the range of 380 to 100 nanometers. Because they have shorter wavelengths and higher energy than visible light (the colors of the rainbow), they are harmful to the skin and eyes.
There are three types of ultraviolet rays: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
UV-A has long wavelengths and low energy, so it damages the surface of the skin. UV-B has short wavelengths and high energy, so it damages deep layers of the skin. UV-C has the shortest wavelength and highest energy, so it is largely blocked by the Earth's atmospheric layer and does not reach the ground.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause your skin to get sunburned, make spots and wrinkles more noticeable, and cause diseases such as skin cancer. It can also damage the cornea and lens of the eye, causing diseases such as cataracts.
To protect yourself from UV rays, you need to take measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing a parasol or hat, staying in the shade, and avoiding direct sunlight for long periods of time. Also, avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the amount of ultraviolet rays is highest.
Ultraviolet rays can have a major impact on our health, so it is important to take proper measures against UV rays.
People who want to be careful about UV rays include:
・People who get sunburn easily
・Persons with a family history of cataracts
・Persons with a family history of skin cancer
・Infants, children, and elderly people
Ultraviolet rays can have a major impact on our health, so it is important to take proper measures against UV rays.
Types of ultraviolet rays
There are three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
・UVA
UVA has the longest wavelength and reaches the earth in the highest amount. It reaches the dermis and accelerates aging such as spots, wrinkles, and sagging. It is also involved in the development of skin cancer.
Some people also think that they don't need to worry about UVB because it has a longer wavelength and weaker energy than UVB, which causes sunburn. However, UVA reaches the dermis and not only accelerates aging such as age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin, but is also involved in the development of skin cancer. Therefore, UVA protection is also important.
Countermeasures include applying sunscreen, using a parasol or sunglasses, and avoiding going out during the day.
・UVB
UVB is an ultraviolet ray with a shorter wavelength and more energy than UVA. It damages the epidermis, causing sunburn, blisters, and skin cancer.
The main cause of sunburn is UVB. Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin. During the healing process of inflammation, melanin pigment is produced. Melanin is a pigment secreted to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. However, melanin pigment cannot completely protect the skin from UV rays. Therefore, repeated exposure to the sun causes aging such as age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Measures against UVB include applying sunscreen, using a parasol or sunglasses, and avoiding going out during the day.
・UVC
Ultraviolet light has the shortest wavelength and the most energy. However, very little of it reaches the ground because it is absorbed by the ozone layer.
UV safety
There are various opinions regarding the safety of UV rays.
Ultraviolet light is safe because it is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.
Ultraviolet rays are dangerous because they can cause skin cancer.
The safety of UV rays is still not fully understood. However, we do know that too much exposure to UV rays can cause health problems such as skin cancer. Therefore, when exposed to UV rays, it is important to take appropriate measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and staying in the shade.
Danger of UV rays
The dangers of UV rays include:
・Sunburn
・Stains/Freckles
・Skin cancer
・Cataract
・Decrease in immunity
Sunburn occurs when ultraviolet rays damage the skin. When you get sunburned, your skin becomes red and swollen, causing pain and itching. Also, severe sunburn can lead to premature aging such as age spots and sagging skin.
Spots and freckles are caused by excessive production of melanin pigment due to UV rays damaging the skin. Spots and freckles often appear on the face and backs of the hands.
Skin cancer can develop when ultraviolet rays damage the skin, causing cell abnormalities. There are three types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are skin cancers that are relatively easy to cure, but if left untreated, they can develop into malignant melanoma.
Cataract is a disease in which ultraviolet rays damage the eyeball, clouding the lens and reducing vision. Cataracts often develop with age, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet light also increases the risk of cataracts.
Decreased immunity can be caused by ultraviolet rays damaging the body, which can lead to a decline in immune function. When your immune system is weakened, you become more susceptible to infections such as colds and influenza. UV rays can also increase your risk of cancer.
UV protection
There are several ways to protect yourself from UV rays:
・Apply sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin from UV rays. Sunscreens have indicators called SPF and PA. SPF represents the effect of preventing sunburn caused by UVB, and PA represents the effect of preventing sunburn caused by UVA. When choosing a sunscreen, choose one with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ or higher.
·Wear a hat
A hat blocks UV rays that cannot be prevented by sunscreen alone. When choosing a hat, choose one with a wide brim.
・Use a parasol
Parasols also block UV rays that cannot be prevented by sunscreen alone. When choosing a parasol, choose one with a high light blocking rate.
・Spend time in the shade
Stay in the shade during times when the sun is strong. A shaded area is a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
・Wear long sleeves and long pants
Long sleeves and long pants protect your skin from UV rays. Wear long sleeves and long pants, especially during times when the sun is strong.
・Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays. When choosing sunglasses, choose ones with UV protection.
Ultraviolet rays can have a negative effect on our health. Therefore, protect your health by making UV protection a habit.
How to choose sunscreen
Sunscreen is used to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.
Sunscreens have indicators called SPF and PA. SPF represents the effect of preventing sunburn caused by UVB, and PA represents the effect of preventing sunburn caused by UVA.
When choosing a sunscreen, choose one with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ or higher. SPF30 is 30 times more effective in preventing sunburn, and PA+++ has three levels of effectiveness in preventing stains and sagging caused by UVA.
There are also sunscreens for the face and body. Facial products are made with ingredients that are gentle on facial skin. The body version is designed to be easy to apply all over the body.
The amount of sunscreen you apply is important. When applying it to your face, apply an amount of 2mg/cm2. When applying to the body, apply an amount of about 60g.
Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours. If it gets wet, reapply immediately.
Sunscreen is an important item to protect your skin from UV rays. Choose correctly and use them effectively.
Below are some points to consider when choosing a sunscreen.
・Choose one with SPF30 or higher and PA+++ or higher
- Use for face and body separately
・Adhere to the amount applied
-Reapply every 2-3 hours
・If it gets wet, reapply immediately.
How to choose a parasol and sunglasses
Parasols and sunglasses are used to protect your eyes from UV rays.
When choosing a parasol, choose one that blocks 99% or more of light. Shading rate refers to the percentage of ultraviolet rays that a parasol can block. If the shading rate is 99% or higher, most UV rays can be blocked.
The shape of the parasol is also important. Parasols come in a variety of shapes, including long umbrellas, folding umbrellas, and parasols. When choosing a parasol, choose the shape that suits your purpose.
For example, long umbrellas can cover a large area, so they are effective when used in large areas such as parks and beaches. Folding umbrellas are easy to carry, so they are convenient to use when traveling on trains, buses, etc. Parasols are effective when used in areas with strong sunlight.
When choosing sunglasses, choose ones with UV protection. Sunglasses with UV protection feature have a filter that blocks UV rays.
The color of the lenses of your sunglasses is also important. The UV protection rate varies depending on the color of the lens. Green and brown lenses block UV rays well. Blue and purple lenses are less effective at blocking UV rays.
Parasols and sunglasses are important items to protect your eyes from UV rays. Choose correctly and use them effectively.
Below is a summary of points to consider when choosing parasols and sunglasses.
・Choose a parasol that blocks 99% or more of light.
・Choose sunglasses with UV protection
・Choose a color for the lenses of your parasol and sunglasses that effectively blocks UV rays.
・Use a parasol or sunglasses in places with strong sunlight
Protect your health from UV rays
To protect your health from UV rays, take the following measures.
・Avoid going out during the day
・Use a parasol
・Wear sunglasses
・Wear long sleeves and long pants
・Apply sunscreen
・Choose a sunscreen with SPF30 or higher and PA+++ or higher. Also, be sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours.
In order to protect your health from ultraviolet rays, be conscious and take measures on a daily basis.
Below is a detailed explanation of the health damage caused by UV rays.
・Sunburn
・Stains/Freckles
・Skin cancer
・Cataract
・Decrease in immunity
Sunburn occurs when ultraviolet rays damage the skin. When you get sunburned, your skin becomes red and swollen, causing pain and itching. Also, severe sunburn can lead to premature aging such as age spots and sagging skin.
Spots and freckles are caused by excessive production of melanin pigment due to UV rays damaging the skin. Spots and freckles often appear on the face and backs of the hands.
Skin cancer can develop when ultraviolet rays damage the skin, causing cell abnormalities. There are three types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are skin cancers that are relatively easy to cure, but if left untreated, they can develop into malignant melanoma.
Cataract is a disease in which ultraviolet rays damage the eyeball, causing the lens to become cloudy and causing vision loss. Cataracts often develop with age, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet light also increases the risk of cataracts.
Decreased immunity can be caused by ultraviolet rays damaging the body, which can lead to a decline in immune function. When your immune system is weakened, you become more susceptible to infections such as colds and influenza. UV rays can also increase your risk of cancer.
In order to protect your health from ultraviolet rays, be conscious and take measures on a daily basis.
