UV-STOP
Reading time: 4 minutes
UV radiation is invisible, but it does affect your skin. Your skin is exposed to UV radiation every day, whether you work outdoors, play sports or enjoy a day in the garden. There are different types of UV radiation, and each type works in a different way. We explain the three types of UV rays and why good protection is so important.
When we talk about types of UV radiation, we are referring to radiation that comes from the sun. This radiation is not visible, but it can cause damage to the skin. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. Not every type reaches the earth, but the radiation that does has an effect on your skin.
UVA radiation is the most common form of ultraviolet radiation and accounts for no less than 95% of the sunlight that reaches our skin. Unlike UVB radiation, UVA rays are present throughout the year with constant intensity. UVA radiation is even present on a grey winter day or through thick cloud cover.
Because UVA rays have a long wavelength, they penetrate deep into the middle layer of the skin. Here they cause damage that you cannot immediately see or feel, but which in the long term leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This results in premature skin ageing, wrinkles and pigmentation spots. In addition, UVA rays cause free radicals, which indirectly damage DNA and thus contribute to the risk of skin cancer.
UVB radiation is the powerful, short-wave energy from the sun that is responsible for the direct effects on our skin. Because this radiation cannot pass through the upper layer of skin, it focuses all its energy on damaging the skin cells there. This process not only causes sunburn, but also stimulates the skin to produce pigment and vitamin D.
This type of UV radiation is strongest in summer and at midday, when the sun is high in the sky. Although sunscreen with SPF protects the skin by absorbing or reflecting these UVB rays, this protection is always temporary. To prevent long-term damage and an increased risk of skin cancer, it is necessary to apply sunscreen regularly and generously or to wear UV-protective clothing.
UVC radiation is the most powerful form of UV radiation. Fortunately, this radiation does not reach the Earth, as it is completely blocked by the ozone layer. UVC therefore poses no direct risk to your skin when exposed to sunlight.
Many people think that UV radiation only plays a role on sunny holidays. In reality, you are exposed to UV radiation almost every day. During a walk, cycling to work, gardening or playing outside with children, your skin is already exposed to UV rays.
Exposure to UV radiation often goes unnoticed, because UVA radiation in particular is present all year round. That is precisely why it is important to protect yourself from the sun not only on sunny days, but also on cloudy days.
Because the different types of UV radiation can each be harmful in their own way, good sun protection is essential. Sunscreen helps, but does not always offer complete or long-lasting protection, especially if you forget to reapply it.
UV-STOP Protection Wash offers a practical addition to this. Washing your clothes with UV-STOP gives the fabric a UV-resistant effect, blocking a large proportion of UV radiation. This means your clothes actively contribute to protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
To protect your skin even better, it is wise not only to wear UV-resistant clothing, but also to apply sunscreen to your skin.
Good sun protection is a combination of knowledge and the right tools. By consciously choosing double protection, both through your clothing and your sunscreen, you are well protected against the invisible dangers of the sun.
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UV-STOP
What is the main difference between UVA and UVB radiation?
UVA radiation causes skin ageing and penetrates deeply, even through clouds. UVB radiation causes burning of the upper skin layer. Both types increase the risk of skin cancer, making protection against both rays necessary.
Do I also need to protect myself from the sun when it is cloudy?
Yes, that is definitely necessary. UVA radiation in particular penetrates clouds with ease. You cannot feel this radiation because it does not cause immediate sunburn. Damage to the deeper layers of the skin also occurs on overcast days.
Does ordinary clothing always provide sufficient protection against UV rays?
Does ordinary clothing always offer sufficient protection against UV rays? Not always. Many thin, summer fabrics still allow a significant amount of UV radiation to pass through. By washing your clothes with UV-STOP Protection Wash, you can significantly increase the fabric’s protection factor. This turns your clothing into a barrier against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Why is sunscreen alone sometimes not enough?
Zonnebrandcrème is een uitstekend hulpmiddel, maar de werking is tijdelijk en afhankelijk van hoe dik en hoe vaak je smeert. Bovendien worden sommige plekken vaak vergeten. UV-werende kleding biedt een constante bescherming, waardoor de combinatie van smeren en beschermende kleding de meest veilige methode is.