It is important to protect our skin from the sun’s rays, even on days when the sun is not shining brightly. UV rays, especially UVA rays, are consistent all year round and can penetrate clouds and glass, meaning our skin is at risk even on cloudy or rainy days. These rays can penetrate deep into the skin and cause various types of damage, including accelerated skin aging, DNA damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. In addition, long-term exposure to sunlight contributes to the development of pigment spots and can worsen existing skin conditions such as melasma. Therefore, consistently using sunscreen, even when the sun is not visible, is crucial for long-term skin health. But what are the different UVA and UVB sun filters?
What are the different sun rays?
UVA sun rays are more common than UVB light
The intensity of UVB depends on the season, location in the world and time of day. Although less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more common. UVA rays can account for up to 95 percent of all UV rays that hit the Earth’s surface. UVA solar rays are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.
UV strength is affected by:
- Location and sun height: the closer you get to the equator and the higher the sun is, the stronger the UV strength.
- Clouds: on a cloudless day, the UV rays are stronger than with clouds. But even on a cloudy day, 90% of the sun’s UV rays penetrate the clouds.
- Altitude: The higher you go, the thinner the atmosphere, which means that less UV is absorbed. Every 1000 meters in height the UV strength increases by 10-12%.
- Reflections: different ground surfaces influence the UV reflections. Sea foam reflects 25%, dry (yellow) beach sand 25% and snow reflects 80% of UV rays. Half a meter under seawater, 40% of the UV radiation is transmitted.
- In the shade, there is a reduction of more than 50% UV radiation.
UVA penetrates collagen and elastin
In the skin, UVA (320-400 nm, UVA1: 340-400 nm and UVA2: 320-340 nm) sun rays penetrate into the dermis (the deeper layers of the skin) where the elastin and collagen fibers, which provide elasticity of the skin concerns, are located. In the long term, UV-A sun rays can lead to skin aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, skin discolorations and even skin cancer.
UVB remains in the epidermis and ensures vitamin D production
UVB (280-320 nm) sun rays do not penetrate the skin further than the superficial epidermis, and are responsible for our vitamin D production. Too much UVB causes redness, sunburn and eventually skin aging and skin cancer. Unlike UVA, UVB does not penetrate glass.
UVA and UVB filters
There are two types of sunscreen filters: the mineral “physical” filter and the non-mineral “chemical” filter. Sunscreens often use a combination of both.
Physical filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, scatter sunlight and bounce it off your body.
- Benefit: Physical filters are safe and are best suited for children and people with sensitive skin.
- Cons: They can leave a white, dull glow on the area of ​​skin applied. One way to limit this is nanotechnology, where the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles are made so small ( 100 nanometers) that they do not leave white traces. This poses potential safety risks, and scientists differ on this. The latest studies indicate that nanoparticles are harmless and cannot penetrate the skin to enter your bloodstream, but if you inhale them (in the case of sunscreen sprays containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles) they may be carcinogenic.
Chemical filters absorb UVA and UVB radiation and then convert it into heat and infrared radiation.
- Disadvantage: They can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- There are also indications that some chemical filters penetrate the skin and end up in your bloodstream. Various animal experiments and laboratory studies show that some ingredients can disrupt the endocrine system.
WHICH CHEMICAL FILTERS ARE PROVEN SAFE, AND WHICH FILTERS ARE UNCLEAR?
Below is an overview of the various chemical filters, categorized by safe, hormone-disrupting/allergy-inducing and unknown:
Chemical sun filters that absorb both UVA and UVB radiation
Indication of hormone disruption:
- 2-Ethoxyethylp-methoxycinnamate(Cinoxate )
- Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone)
- Octocrylene
- Benzophenone-8 (Dioxybenzone)
Indication for allergy:
- Polysilicone-15 (Dimethicodiethylbenzalmalonate)
unknown
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenol Triazine (Tinosorb S/Bemotrizinol)
- Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL)
- Methylene Bis-Benztriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M)
Chemical sunscreens that absorb UV-A radiation:
Indication of hormone disruption:
- Methyl Anthranilate
Indication for allergy:
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzon/Parsol 1789)
unknown
- Disodium Phenyl Dibenzimidazole Tetrasulfonate
No evidence of hormone disruption or allergy:
- Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX/Ecamsule)
What does SPF actually mean? The Sun Protection Factor…..
Sunscreens have different values. The height of such a figure is based on the degree of UV-B protection, but says nothing about UVA protection.
The positive effects of the sun
How much sun is needed to produce enough vitamin D?
Below you will find a global and cautious indication based on: skin types, UV index, season June-August, between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
The height of such a figure is based on the degree of UV-B protection, but says nothing about UVA protection.
The sun power in the Netherlands in the summer months is between 4-5 to 6-7. Also view the sun strength indicator in the right navigation on KNMI every day.
Iconic Elements Daycream with natural UVA filter (50 ml) is suitable for daily use. The natural algae not only provide prevention against the harmful effects of UVA, but also work together with shea and macadamia butter to better hydrate the skin.
For more information go to: our products