October 2008 - Sunblock is still important in the winter. PDF Print E-mail

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays and why are we talking about that when the summer is over?

UVA Rays:  Think of “A” for “Aging”.

  • Can pass through glass (office and cars)
  • Are not affected by weather or altitude, so still harmful in the fall and winter
  • Are present all day every day of the year
  • Penetrate deep into the skin layers
  • Are 20 times more abundant than UVB rays
  • Affect long-term skin damage

UVB Rays:  Think of “B” for Burning”.

  • Cause sunburns and tanning
  • Vary with seasons (stronger in the summer)
  • More intense at high altitudes and near equator
  • SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only shows the level of protection from UVB rays, not UVA
  • Are related to 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Are related to cataracts

Therefore we must think of UVA rays still this season.  We should still be wearing our sun block daily to protect our skin from the Aging Rays of the sun.  The best protectors against UVA rays are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  These ingredients are in many of our sunscreens carried at Glow Medi Spa. 

We carry a variety of medical grade sunscreens suitable to various skin types.  We carry sunscreens such Ti Silc and Elta MD which are well tolerated, have no odour, and feel silky smooth, therefore compliance is very high.  Try it for yourself and feel the difference.