Protecting yourself and your family from the sun is vital in the long-term. Short-term effects like sunburn can be an irritant but it’s long-term consequences like skin cancer that really need to be protected against. The Science of UV Rays The sun emits invisible rays called ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are short, high-energy wavelengths that are absorbed by the outermost layer of the skin. When your skin burns, these UVB rays cause damage. UVB radiation attacks the skin’s pigment cells, damaging them. This damage causes freckles and aging spots. It also adds to the development of melanoma and skin cancers. Ultraviolet A rays are more harmful than UBV rays. They deeply penetrate the skin, and can damage the DNA of the cells in the dermis. UVA is responsible for wrinkled skin and premature aging. Despite these dangers, many people don’t use enough sunscreen. 28% of teenagers don’t use any sunscreen at all. A lot of people don’t take sun protection as seriously

Read more