🌤️ UVA vs. UVB Rays: Quick Comparison

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🌤️ UVA vs. UVB Rays: Quick Comparison

FeatureUVAUVB
WavelengthLong-waveShort-wave
PenetrationDeep into the skin (dermis)Outer skin layers (epidermis)
EffectsCauses aging, wrinkles, sunspotsCauses burns, redness
Cancer riskContributes to skin cancerMajor role in most skin cancers
PresenceConstant all year, all dayStrongest between 10 AM – 4 PM
Through glass?Yes – can penetrate windowsNo – mostly blocked by glass

🧴 Bottom line:

  • UVA = Aging

  • UVB = Burning

  • Both can cause skin cancer.

  • That’s why you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen — it protects against both UVA and UVB.