The dangers of UV rays on the skin:
Sunburn
UVB (medium wave ultraviolet) rays are the main cause of sunburn. The skin may get sunburned after prolonged exposure to strong UV rays, especially at high altitudes or during summer. Symptoms of sunburn include redness, swelling, pain, and peeling of the skin. Not only does sunburn damage the skin, it can also lead to blister formation.
Skin ageing (photoaging)
Ultraviolet rays, especially UVA (long-wave ultraviolet rays), penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and destroy the collagen and elastic fibres in the skin, leading to skin ageing.
Skin Cancer
Exposure to UV rays is one of the main causes of skin cancer, especially prolonged and excessive exposure to strong UV rays. UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells, which increases the probability of mutation and leads to the development of cancer.
Immune system suppression
UV radiation, especially UVB, suppresses the skin's immune system function and reduces the body's ability to defend itself against external pathogens. This makes the skin more susceptible to infections and slows wound healing.
Eye damage
Although UV rays primarily damage the skin, the eyes can also be damaged by UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to UV keratitis (snow blindness) and increase the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is ubiquitous in our daily lives, and although we can't directly perceive its presence, its effects on the skin are obvious. Daily life kind of these scenarios UV effects on the skin:
Outdoor activities
Whether you're going for a morning jog, walking, cycling, or exercising outdoors, UV exposure is unavoidable, especially on sunny days.
UV rays are weaker in the morning and evening, and are usually strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, especially in the summer and in tropical areas.
In highly reflective areas such as beaches, snow, or water, UV rays intensify exposure through reflection and may cause a person to mistakenly believe that he or she is not exposed to the sun.
The higher the altitude, the stronger the UV rays are because the atmosphere is thinner and less UV is absorbed.
Daily Commute
During our daily commute, whether we walk, drive or take public transportation, we all experience UV exposure, especially in direct sunlight.
Window protection: Most car windows only block a portion of UVA but do not completely shield us from UVB. If you drive or ride in a car for a long period, your skin will still be exposed to UV rays, especially from the driver's side window.
Tall buildings or structures may provide partial shade, but UV rays can still penetrate through reflection, scattering, etc.
Indoor Exposure
UV rays are not only present outdoors but indoors may also be affected by UV rays, especially those entering through windows.
Window glass: Typical window glass is only effective in blocking UVB, but UVA can still penetrate. Prolonged periods spent near a window, such as in an office or a location in your home, can still expose you to UVA.
Fluorescent lamps and certain electrical appliances: Some fluorescent lamps and electronic devices (e.g., UV sterilizing lamps) may emit small amounts of UVB, which are weaker than the sun, but can still have an effect with prolonged exposure.
Swimming and water activities
Exposure to UV rays increases around water, especially when the sun is strong:
Water reflection: Water reflects sunlight, multiplying UV exposure, especially in clear waters such as beaches or swimming pools.
Underwater exposure: UV rays are not completely blocked by water, especially in shallow areas, and skin is still exposed to UV rays even when in the water.
Winter exposure.
The dangers of UV rays are not only in the summer months, but UV rays are still potentially damaging to the skin during the winter months when the sun shines on strong days, especially in snowy areas and on ski slopes.
Snow reflects UV rays so well that it can make UV exposure even more intense than in the summer. Skiers often ignore winter UV rays and end up with sunburned skin or increased photoaging.
Specialized environments
In some special environments, such as high altitudes, deserts, polar regions, etc., the intensity of UV rays is usually higher than in plains.
High Altitude: For every 1,000 meters of ascent, the intensity of UV rays increases by about 10%. At high altitudes, the intensity of UV rays is much higher and skin exposure is more likely to cause sunburn.
Deserts: The intensity of UV rays is also very high in deserts because the sand is highly reflective, concentrating the UV rays even more.
Polar regions: UV rays are also intensified in places close to the poles by the reflection of snow and ice, and UV radiation is more intense, especially during the spring and summer months.
Indoor UV Exposure
Even indoors, UV rays may affect the skin through daylight coming through windows. UVA can still damage the skin if you stay near a window for a long time, especially in strong sunlight.
The main difference between UV-protective clothing and regular clothing is their ability to block ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV-protective clothing is specially designed and manufactured to effectively minimize UV damage to the skin, whereas conventional clothing is relatively weak in this regard.
UV-protective clothing has specialized UV protection. By choosing the right fabrics, special treatments and high-density weaving, UV rays are effectively blocked, preventing problems such as sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer.
Conventional clothes, on the other hand, do not have UV protection and usually do not effectively block UV rays, so additional sun protection measures (e.g., applying sunscreen, wearing sun hats, etc.) are needed when wearing them to minimize UV damage to the skin.
Advantages and disadvantages of UV protective clothing
Pros:
Effective UV protection for long periods.
No need for frequent reapplication of sunscreen.
Friendly to people with sensitive skin.
Combines comfort and functionality.
Reduces UV suppression of the immune system and skin cancer risk.
Disadvantages:
Higher price.
More conservative style design.
Uncomfortable to wear in hot and humid environments.
Requires special care.
Not a complete substitute for sunscreen.
