UVA Radiation and human evolution: But why is it a bigger problem now?

In this modern age, our skin is facing new challenges. UVA radiation, a type of ultraviolet radiation that penetrates deep into the skin, has a tremendous impact on our skin. Thanks to evolution, we were once reasonably protected from the sun, but contemporary living conditions and exposure levels present a different challenge for UVA radiation.

This blog is about how UVA radiation affects the skin, which mechanisms nature has developed to protect us, and why additional measures are now important.

What makes UVA radiation different?

1. Deep in the skin: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and reach the dermis, the layer where collagen and elastin are produced. These structures are essential for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. When UVA rays damage this layer, they break down the collagen and elastin, leading to premature skin aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. This process is often referred to as photoaging.
2. Always Present: Unlike UVB rays, which are strongest during the spring and summer months, UVA rays are present throughout the year. They penetrate through clouds and glass, meaning that you can also be exposed to these harmful rays indoors through windows. This constant presence makes UVA radiation particularly harmful in the long run, as exposure is virtually inevitable without protection.
3. Long-term damage: Although UVA radiation is less intense than UVB, it has a greater wavelength, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin. This causes long-term damage through oxidative stress, a process in which free radicals damage the cells. In addition, UVA radiation can lead to DNA mutations in skin cells, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. This chronic damage emphasizes the importance of daily protection against UVA radiation, even on days without direct sunlight.

Why is it suddenly more harmful than before?

Our Origins in the Sun Rich Regions of Africa

The first humans, Homo sapiens, emerged about 300,000 years ago in Africa, a region with intense sunlight. The skin adapted by developing a dark pigmentation, rich in melanin, a natural pigment that protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Melanin acts as a natural shield by absorbing both UVA and UVB radiation. It helps to reduce indirect DNA damage from UVA (oxidative stress) and direct DNA damage from UVB, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer. This adaptation was crucial for survival in an environment with high UV exposure, while at the same time providing sufficient protection against harmful radiation.

Migration and Skin Adaptation

When people spread across the world about 60,000 years ago, sunlight levels varied depending on the geographical location. People in less sunny areas developed lighter skin to optimize the production of vitamin D, essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system. However, this adaptation came at the expense of the natural protection against UV radiation.

Modern exposure

In contrast to our ancestors, who primarily lived in shady environments, today we spend more time in direct sunlight, often without adequate protection. Furthermore, artificial sources such as tanning beds are being used increasingly often, leading to intensive UVA exposure.

Less natural protection

Although evolution gave us melanin for protection, people with lighter skin types, who contain less melanin, are more vulnerable to UV damage. With current migrations, people with light skin often live in areas with high UV radiation, such as Southern Europe and Australia, which increases their risk of skin problems.

Air Pollution and Ozone Layer

Although UVA radiation is less dependent on the ozone layer than UVB radiation, air pollution contributes to oxidative stress, making the skin more vulnerable. Moreover, the protection our skin needs has not evolved sufficiently to deal with the increased exposure in the modern world.

New Factors

In addition to the known causes, new insights and developments play an important role in understanding the increased harmfulness of UVA radiation. These factors, often related to modern living conditions, put extra pressure on the skin’s natural protection mechanisms.

1. Leefstijlveranderingen
   • Indoor-outdoor paradox: Modern lifestyles cause people to spend a large part of their time indoors, often behind glass. Although UVB is largely blocked by glass, UVA radiation penetrates through it, contributing to cumulative skin aging and DNA damage. At the same time, the increased popularity of traveling to sunny destinations leads to peak exposures, where the skin is suddenly intensely exposed to UV radiation without adequate adjustment.
   • Digital devices: The idea that visible light from devices (such as phones and laptops) contributes to damage is controversial. Although the visible light from these devices does not directly cause UVA damage, high-energy visible light (HEV-light) combined with UV radiation may indirectly increase oxidative stress. However, this is a field of ongoing research and requires further validation.
2. Genetische variatie
   • Genetic polymorphisms play a significant role in susceptibility to UV damage. Some people have genetic variations in genes responsible for DNA repair (such as the XPC gene) or antioxidant production, making their skin more vulnerable to both UVA and UVB damage. This could partially explain why some people develop more severe damage despite similar exposure.
3. Verandering in sociale normen
   • The cultural appreciation for a tanned skin has led to an increase in sunbed use, one of the most intensive sources of UVA radiation. This trend significantly contributes to premature skin aging and increases the risk of skin cancer.
   • At the same time, unprotected exposures are increasing due to incorrect perceptions that “a little sun” is harmless, especially in milder climates where people underestimate UVA radiation.
4. Klimaatverandering
   • Changing weather patterns due to climate change are causing longer sunny periods and more intense UV radiation in certain regions. Although the ozone layer is slowly recovering, unstable ozone levels remain an issue in some areas, which can indirectly cause increases in UVA and UVB radiation. This results in a cumulative exposure that is difficult to avoid.
5. Verminderd antioxidant-niveau in de huid
   • Poor dietary habits and increased exposure to environmental pollution contribute to a decrease in natural antioxidants in the skin, such as vitamin E, glutathione, and carotenoids. This reduces the skin’s capacity to neutralize free radicals, which are generated by UVA radiation. As a result, the skin becomes more vulnerable to damage, even at lower exposure levels.

How do you protect your skin from UVA radiation?

The geographical location of the Netherlands influences the strength of UVB radiation throughout the year. In the fall and winter, UVB radiation is less powerful due to the lower position of the sun. During these months, however, protection against UVA radiation is still essential, as this radiation is present throughout the year and penetrates deeper into the skin, which can lead to skin aging and DNA damage. In the spring and summer, both UVA and UVB radiation become stronger, making extensive protection necessary.

Use a sun protection

Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that provides protection against UVA, UVB, and visible light. This is especially important in the spring and summer when the radiation is stronger. In the fall and winter, you can consider a day cream with natural UVA filters, such as Iconic Elements’ day cream with a patented Swiss ingredient based on red algae. This cream provides effective UVA protection in addition to hydration. More about UVA filter – Porphyria Umbilicalis

Iconic Elements Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 also provides extensive protection against UVA, UVB and visible light and has been independently tested and certified, which offers an additional guarantee for quality and safety.

Add antioxidants to your skincare routine

Antioxidants such as Astaxanthin, vitamin C, E and ferulic acid are powerful protectors against free radicals caused by UV radiation. They strengthen the skin barrier and support the natural protection of your skin. These antioxidants are valuable all year round, but especially in the spring and summer when UV damage is most intense.

Protective Clothing

Physical protection is an excellent addition to sunscreen. A hat, sunglasses, and UV-resistant clothing minimize direct exposure to harmful rays and keep your skin healthy. This measure is particularly useful during outdoor activities in the spring and summer, but can also be applied in the winter for winter sports or longer periods of time outside.

Avoid sunbeds

Sunbeds use a combination of UVA and UVB rays, with about 95% of the radiation being UVA and 5% UVB. This ratio is designed to promote rapid tanning. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause damage such as skin aging, while UVB rays stimulate melanocytes to produce melanin, which can lead to sunburn and increased risks of skin cancer.

Tanning from a sunbed occurs when UVB rays activate the melanocytes to produce melanin, while UVA rays oxidize this pigment, giving a direct brown tint. Although this process may seem cosmetically appealing, it simultaneously causes damage to skin cells, including DNA damage, which significantly increases the risk of skin aging and skin cancer.

It is important to note that the UV output from sunbeds in Europe is legally capped at 0.3 W/m², equivalent to the strength of the midday sun in the Mediterranean region. Despite this restriction, the use of sunbeds remains a significant source of artificial UV radiation and is strongly discouraged for skin health.

Regardless of the season, it is therefore essential to avoid tanning beds. Artificial UV radiation is one of the major causes of skin aging and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. This applies in both autumn and winter, as well as in spring and summer.

Natural Protection: Is it Enough?

Our skin has natural protection mechanisms such as melanin production and antioxidants. Melanin acts as an internal sun filter and absorbs UV radiation to protect the deeper layers of the skin. Antioxidants in the skin neutralize free radicals, which are created by exposure to UV radiation, to prevent oxidative damage.

However, these natural processes have their limits. Melanin can only absorb a limited amount of UV radiation, which means that prolonged exposure can still result in DNA damage and skin aging. Antioxidants become depleted when they constantly have to fight free radicals, especially with repeated exposure to sunlight.

In other words

The impact of UVA radiation on our skin is greater than ever. Our modern lifestyle requires a conscious approach: protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen, strengthen your skin barrier with antioxidants, and limit direct exposure. With the right knowledge and products, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant.

FAQ about UVA Radiation

What makes UVA radiation more harmful than UVB radiation?

Although UVB radiation is stronger and responsible for sunburn, UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin. It reaches the dermis, where it can damage collagen and elastin. This leads to premature skin aging and can indirectly cause DNA damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Moreover, UVA radiation is present all year round, even on cloudy days.

Is it necessary to use sun protection in winter?

Yes, sunscreen is also important in winter. UVA rays are active throughout the year and can penetrate through clouds and windows. They cause damage to the deeper layers of skin, even in cold weather. A sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection helps keep your skin healthy, regardless of the season.

How can I protect myself from UVA radiation besides using sunscreen?

In addition to sunscreen, you can wear protective clothing, such as a hat or UV-resistant clothing. Antioxidants in your skincare, such as vitamins C and E, help neutralize free radicals and strengthen your skin barrier. Also avoid artificial UV sources, such as tanning beds, which emit intensive UVA radiation.

Do all Fitzpatrick skin types need protection against UVA radiation?

Yes, all Fitzpatrick skin types (1 to 6) need protection against UVA radiation, regardless of the amount of melanin in the skin. Although melanin provides a natural shield, especially in darker skin types (4, 5 and 6), it is not sufficient to prevent all damage from UVA radiation.

Now that You’re Here

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, a major component of the sunlight that reaches our skin daily, can be a powerful cause of various skin conditions. Although sunlight is often experienced as enjoyable, it is important to consider the possible damage that UVA rays can do. In this blog we discuss which skin conditions can be influenced by UVA radiation and how you can protect your skin against this.