Share

Words

UVA  noun - radiation from the sun with fairly long wavelengths

UVB  noun - radiation from the sun with fairly short wavelengths

The link will open in a new tab.

Sources

Sun is that thing without which life on our planet would have been impossible. It has many positive effects. But the extended exposure to the sun’s rays can cause many serious problems. Problems like skin cancer, aging, and sunburns. 

To be able to enjoy the sun we have invented sunscreen. Its primary goal is to protect us from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun in two different ways. Applying sunscreen creates a physical barrier that reflects some of the sun’s rays so less of them reach us. This barrier is visible and it gives the distinguishable white color of these products. 

The second protection consists of a chemical barrier whose purpose is to absorb sun rays. It is often invisible but some people develop allergies to the chemicals comprising it. With time the ability of this layer to absorb sun rays fades and this is why you should apply sunscreen regularly when outside. 

The daily use of such products can protect us from skin cancer and aging in the long term while we are enjoying places like beaches and parks.

How does sunscreen protect us?