ISO 24444 / ISO 24443 EU COLIPA and SANS 1557 Verified Broadspectrum Sunscreens
Ultra-Violet (UV) Radiation
UV (Ultra-Violet) rays are invisible radiation emitted by the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC, each with different wavelengths and effects on human skin. Understanding these rays is essential for proper sun protection.
The Three Types of UV Radiation
UVA Radiation (400-315 nm)
UVA is the most abundant form of UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface. This radiation can:
- Penetrate deeply into the skin's dermis layer
- Cause long-term skin damage including premature aging
- Contribute to the development of skin cancer
- Pass through clouds and glass
- Remain relatively constant throughout the year
UVB Radiation (315-280 nm)
UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and:
- Is the primary cause of painful sunburn
- Plays a major role in the development of skin cancer
- Helps the body produce vitamin D
- Is partially filtered by clouds and doesn't penetrate glass
- Varies in intensity by season, location, and time of day
UVC Radiation (< 280 nm)
UVC is the most dangerous type of UV radiation, but fortunately:
- Almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer
- Doesn't normally reach the earth's surface
- Only a concern in areas with significant ozone depletion
- KoolaSun products effectively block UVC for those in polar regions
How UV Penetrates Your Skin
Different UV wavelengths penetrate the skin to different depths. UVA rays reach deeper into the skin than UVB, causing damage to the connective tissue and potentially leading to long-term issues including skin cancer.
UV rays can also reflect off surfaces like sand, concrete, water, and especially snow, increasing your exposure. This is why sun protection is crucial even when you're not in direct sunlight.
Even A Single Sunburn Can Cause Future Problems
Research has shown that just one severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life. Sunburns cause immediate damage visible as redness and pain, but the long-term DNA damage can emerge years or decades later.
To Avoid UV-Induced Skin Damage and Cancer
- Wear loose-fitting full body clothing with UV protection
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears
- Avoid exposure to strong solar UV radiation (11 AM to 3 PM)
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours
- Seek shade when outdoors, especially during peak UV hours
- Do not attempt to tan (rather use a fake tan or tinted sunscreen)
Understanding UV Radiation in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
UV radiation is just a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that reaches Earth. It sits just beyond the visible light spectrum that we can see with our eyes.
Below the visible light spectrum is infrared radiation, which we feel as heat. While we can feel infrared and see visible light, UV radiation is invisible but still actively absorbed by our skin cells.
This UV energy absorption can damage skin cell DNA, leading to mutations and potentially skin cancer, which is now the most common form of cancer worldwide.
Protect Your Skin with Kool-a-Sun
Kool-a-Sun offers a complete range of sun protection products that guard against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Our formulations are developed to provide effective, long-lasting protection for all skin types and activities.