The difference between UV-A and UV-B

Did you know that sunlight consists of 95% UV-A radiation and 5% UV-B radiation? These two types of radiation differ a lot from each other and the effect on your skin is also different in both cases. One thing is certain, too much exposure to these rays is harmful to the skin. To optimally protect your skin against the harmful effects of radiation, we give customers in our clinic the following advice.

Protect your skin against UV-A and UV-B

Make sure you choose a sunscreen with both UV-A and UV-B protection factors. UV-A can damage your deeper layers of the skin and UV-B can burn your epidermis and cause you to tan. It is not without reason that UV-A stands for 'Aging' and UV-b stands for 'Burning'. In fact, UV-A radiation is more harmful because it wrinkles your skin, suppresses the entire body's defenses, and your skin ages faster. Note: UV-A radiation is always present and is not blocked by shade, glass or clouds. UV-B radiation, on the other hand, is mainly present in spring and summer.

Sunscreen with a chemical or physical filter?

Sun creams may contain chemical and/or physical filters. Chemical filters, such as oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, and avobenzone, are absorbed by the skin. It therefore takes a while before they offer protection. In addition, chemical filters are increasingly under attack. They could disrupt the hormonal system, damage deeper layers of the skin and be environmentally unfriendly. For optimal protection against both UV-A and UV-B radiation, opt for physical filters. These remain on the skin and reflect UV radiation. Physical filters are also more effective and safer to use.