Ultraviolet is a radiation that can pass through clouds and window glass. It causes the skin cells to change, which may lead to cancer. In the past, experts believed UVA rays, also called "aging rays," penetrates skin the most and leads to wrinkles. In addition, doctors believed UVB rays, or also known as "burning rays," which operates mainly on the outermost layers of the skin, where the majority of cancers develop.
UVA rays can further be broken down into something called UVA1. These rays are the lowest in energy, which accounts for approximately 75% of UVA2 and visible sunlight. UVA is also the main radiation used in tanning beds. Previously, people were not as concerned with UVA1. They were more focused on the UVA spectrum, which is closer to UVB.
In the new study, the UVA1 were able to create a similar type of DNA damage that is seen in early stages of skin cancer. This is important because studies have not seen similar results before. Experts say this is very crucial for people who regularly use broad spectrum sun protection. This is essential information for people who use hats, clothes, and sunscreen for safeguarding in the sun.
Most sunscreens have listed their sun protection factor (SPF) on the labels. The SPF only measures how well the product will block UVB, not UVA. With the new findings, this puts pressure on dermatologists to educate patients on good UVA protection with sunscreen. The changes will take effect next year to make easier for people to find sunscreen with broad-spectrum sun protection.
After UVA Exposure
In a study, the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, gathered 12 volunteers who never have used tanning beds or sunbathed naked. The volunteers exposed their buttocks, which is the least sun-exposed body part to UVA1 and UVB radiation. The light was applied long enough to cause the skin to burn. Researchers' then biopsied a small area of the burned skin to investigate for damaged DNA cells.
They found damage similar to exposed UVA skin, which has been known to lead to skin cancer. The researchers stated that these UVA rays revealed a larger rate than predicted. These particular lesions repair very slow. Even in small doses daily, can cause the damage to build up dramatically.
The deeper into the skin, the more damage UVA causes. It is due to a reflection process from the UVA. This is seen as a marker of UVA penetration. If it goes that deep into the skin, it may cause other damages, such as oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is an important factor to measure when it comes to cancer.
It is highly encouraged by doctors and scientists to wear protection when exposing the skin to damaging rays. They also recommend avoiding tanning beds completely. For a healthier alternative, it is highly encouraged to use airbrush tanning instead. Airbrush tanning, also known as spray tanning, does not expose the skin to deadly ultraviolet rays.
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