The blessings and warnings of the sun: basic information about ultraviolet rays

Ultraviolet rays are a gift from the sun that quietly impacts our daily lives.
The ultraviolet rays hidden behind the beautiful sunlight play an important role in our health, but at the same time pose various risks.

In this column, we will delve into the basics of UV rays, their effects, and the protection we can take.
In this article, we will explain in detail the basics about what UV rays are, how they affect our bodies, and how we can protect ourselves from UV rays in our daily lives.
Let's deepen our knowledge about protecting our beauty and health, and learn how to deal with UV rays properly.

First of all, what is UV light?

Ultraviolet rays form an important part of the spectrum of light emitted by the sun, and their wavelengths are shorter than visible light and cannot be seen by our naked eyes.
As this invisible light passes through Earth's atmosphere, it affects many processes essential to life on Earth, from photosynthesis in plants to vitamin D synthesis in humans.
However, the effects of UV rays are not always positive.
Overexposure can pose multiple health risks, including premature skin aging, eye damage and even skin cancer.

UV rays are divided into three main categories according to their characteristics: UVA, UVB and UVC.
Of these, most UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer before they reach the Earth, so they do not have a direct effect on our health.
However, UVA and UVB rays reach the earth's surface and have various effects on the skin.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and in the long term promote skin aging and wrinkle formation.
On the other hand, UVB rays act on the surface layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn, and long-term exposure is known to increase the risk of skin cancer.

UV exposure also plays an essential role in the synthesis of vitamin D, and adequate sun exposure helps the body naturally produce the vitamin D needed to keep bones strong.
However, overexposure to UV rays carries many risks, from immediate damage to the skin to long-term health problems.
That's why it's so important to take proper precautions to protect yourself from UV rays, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying in the shade.

How to protect from UV rays?

To protect yourself from UV rays, it's important to incorporate several protective measures into your daily life, from choosing a sunscreen to wearing appropriate clothing and staying in the shade.

First of all, the SPF and PA values ​​are the key to protection when it comes to sunscreen. SPF indicates protection from UVB, and PA indicates protection from UVA. Products with SPF30 or higher and PA+++ or higher are recommended for everyday use.
When using, it is important to apply an appropriate amount to the entire body about 20 minutes before outdoor activities, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours, especially after playing in water or sweating.

In addition, to protect yourself from direct sunlight, it is also effective to choose clothing with UV protection.
Long sleeve shirts, long pants, and wide brim hats provide valuable protection during outdoor activities.
Clothing that has been treated with UV protection can be a great help in protecting against UV rays.

It is wise to avoid outdoor activities or seek shade whenever possible between 10am and 4pm, when UV rays are strongest.
Using a parasol or sunshade is also an effective way to protect against UV rays.

By practicing these basic protective measures, you can effectively prevent skin damage caused by UV rays, maintain beautiful skin, and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Protecting yourself from UV rays is not just about protecting your skin, but is also extremely important as part of your overall health management.

summary

Protecting yourself from UV rays is an important step to living a beautiful and healthy life.
Through this column, we learned the basics about UV rays, their effects on the body, and protective measures we can take in our daily lives.
Basic protection from UV rays, choosing and applying sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing, and seeking shade are all essential to protecting our skin and health.

To protect your beauty and health, it is important to learn how to deal with UV rays properly and take appropriate precautions.
Protecting yourself from UV rays isn't something that can be done overnight, but small daily efforts will lay the foundation for maintaining your long-term health and beauty.
We hope that this column will help you to deal with UV rays in a healthy way and live a fulfilling life every day.