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Ultraviolet sunlight (and sunscreens)

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To choose the correct sunscreen, one must be aware of the nature of the damaging agent: ultraviolet - UV - radiation. UV rays are classified into three groups:

  • UVA - wavelength 320-400nm; accounts for 90% of the total
  • UVB - wavelength 290-320nm; higher energy rays which are by far the most damaging
  • UVC - wavelength 200-290nm; filtered out by the ozone layer

Sunscreens mainly work by blocking ultraviolet B wavelengths which are primarily responsible for sunburn. There is however now evidence that ultraviolet A can also damage the skin. Now most sunscreens available in the UK have good ultraviolet A blocking agents in addition to ultraviolet B blocking agents.

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