A survey by Boots reveals that 72% of us don't know the difference between UVA and UVB rays. They both cause damage - but how?
Here's a quick way to remember the difference: think of UVA as Ageing and UVB as Burning.
UVA makes up 95% of the UV light emitted from the sun, and penetrates the skin deeper than UVB. Long exposure to UVA breaks down the collagen in your skin, speeding up the aging process.
UVA rays are weaker than UVB rays, but stay the same strength throughout the year, regardless of season or distance to the sun, so year-round protection is very important.
UVB rays affect the top layer of skin and are the cause of your sun tan - or burn if you're not careful. The strength of UVB rays depends on the season: they are stronger the closer you are to the sun.
Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous as they contribute to, or even cause, the formation of skin cancer cells.
For the best protection against UVA and UVB rays look for sunscreen that is labeled as having "broad spectrum" protection. Look out for sun care containing zinc oxide, dioxybenzone or titanium dioxide as these block UV rays the best.
Boots' Soltan and Surf Life Saving GB have set up a facebook page that offers daily UV readings, so you can stay protected even on those tricky cloudy days.
