Although we can’t seem them, they are definitely there. They are called ultraviolet radiation, they’re invisible and they have been named UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA rays are the culprits responsible for photoaging. The wavelengths are 320 to 400 nanometers in length and are the longest of the three rays. This allows them to penetrate the deepest into our skin or dermis. This damages and weakens our collagen creating sagging skin, lines and wrinkles. They can also penetrate glass, so even indoors you can be affected by them.

UVB rays are the ones responsible for those nasty sunburns in the summer months. They are 280 to 320 nanometers in length, which only allows them to penetrate into the top layer of skin or epidermis. They don’t cause photoaging but are responsible for skin cancer and eye problems such as cataracts. Although they can’t penetrate glass, they reflect off light colors such as sand and snow very easily. They are heaviest during the summer months between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

UVC rays are 100 to 280 nanometers in length and are absorbed by the oxygen in the atmosphere prior to reaching earth.