Sun protection

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun are invisible, but they have a direct impact on the skin. There are two main types of UV rays responsible for skin damage: UVA and UVB.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. They mainly affect the surface of the skin. Their intensity varies depending on the season, the time of day and exposure. They cause redness and burns, but can also damage the DNA of cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin. They are present all year round, even when the sky is cloudy, and can pass through glass. They are primarily responsible for premature skin ageing: wrinkles, loss of firmness and the appearance of pigmentation spots.

Why protect yourself from both? UVA and UVB rays complement each other in their harmful effects. UVB rays cause sunburn, whilst UVA rays age the skin and contribute to long-term damage. This is why it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, capable of providing effective protection against both types of rays.