UVA vs. UVB

Summer is the season of having fun outdoors underneath the warm, bright sun, no matter the occasion! During Sun Safety Awareness Month, the Jemez Public Health Program wants to help you better understand the basics of UV radiation, how it damages your skin and how you can safeguard yourself against skin cancer.

According to the CDC, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds.

The major difference between Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) is that UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging. In comparison, UVB has a shorter wavelength associated with skin burning.

Let's dive a little deeper and learn more about the facts and risk factors of both UVA and UVB.

UVA Rays

• Are associated with skin aging.

• Cause genetic damage to cells on the innermost part of your top layer of skin, where most skin cancers occur.

• Are the primary type of light used in most tanning beds.

• Can penetrate through windows and cloud covers.

UVB Rays

• Are associated with skin burning.

• Cause damage to the outermost layers of your skin.

• Can cause blistering in overexposure.

• Can be filtered and does not penetrate glass.

However, UVA and UVB rays have some positive benefits on your health! UV from the sun aids in helping our bodies produce Vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones, muscles, and the body's immune system. UV light also has beneficial effects on skin conditions like psoriasis as it slows the growth of skin cells and relieves symptoms. Lastly, sunlight stimulates the production of tryptamines, which helps improves your mood.

You can see the sun's light, you can feel the sun's heat, but you can't see or feel the sun's UV radiation. Your senses cannot detect UV radiation, so you won't notice it is all around you or notice any skin damage until the damage is done. Protecting you and your family from UV radiation is a year-round responsibility. Jemez Public Health encourages you to happily enjoy the great outdoors by protecting your skin against UV exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.

Remember to participate in our sun safety challenge by taking a picture and using the hashtag #HemishSunSafeSelfie on Facebook, Instagram, or email at fitt@jemezpueblo.us!

All participants will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 3 Public Health incentives, including a hat and a long sleeve shirt to protect your skin!

The drawing will be held Friday, July 29, 2022, @ 1 pm.

Happy outings!