{"id":7322,"date":"2025-08-08T10:42:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/en-US\/blog\/?p=7322"},"modified":"2025-08-08T11:09:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T11:09:27","slug":"ultraviolet-radiation-and-your-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/us\/blog\/skincare\/ultraviolet-radiation-and-your-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"UVB, UVA, Blue Light: All About Solar Radiation & Your Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading:<\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

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As the years go by, many of us shy away from soaking up the sun. We turn to hats and long cover-ups, worshipping broad spectrum sunscreen over bronzing. And rightfully so, knowing that sun exposure causes up to 80%<\/a> of the visible signs of skin aging.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the sun isn\u2019t public enemy number one. Its health benefits keep us energized, and its mood-boosting effects give us that finally-summer-feeling<\/em> we know and love. So if you\u2019re curious about how to enjoy the sun while protecting your skin, learning about different types of solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is key.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive in with the help of one of our favorite experts, ISDIN Medical Affairs Specialist Chiyoung Kang Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the solar spectrum?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sun plays a vital role in our health, contributing to our mental well-being and helping our bodies produce vitamin D. But it also emits something called electromagnetic radiation<\/strong>. While some of it is absorbed, scattered, and reflected before it reaches the Earth, the radiation that does reach us is called the solar spectrum.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solar spectrum is made up of various types of radiation, grouped by their electromagnetic frequencies. You\u2019ve likely heard of a few, like ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). But as Kang mentions, \u201cvisible blue light and infrared radiation may also affect how your skin looks and feels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This spectrum ranges from the most energetic rays (ultraviolet) to the least (infrared). Let\u2019s take a look at how each of them impacts your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the difference between UVA & UVB radiation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

UVB radiation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Responsible for summertime tan lines, these high-energy rays mostly\u00a0affect the\u00a0outer<\/strong> layer of your skin<\/a>.UVB exposure depends on the time of day, location, and weather\u2014but it can occur even on cloudy days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUVB radiation is a key contributor to short-term skin damage, like sunburns,\u201d explains Kang. \u201cAnd while our body has antioxidant systems<\/a> that help repair damage, frequent burns can weaken the skin\u2019s ability to regenerate\u2014increasing the risk of skin cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UVB radiation cheatsheet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Main skin concern:<\/strong> Sunburns and their link to skin cancer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does exposure happen?<\/strong> Outdoors all year round, although levels vary by climate<\/a> and season<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra credit:<\/strong>\u00a0SPF, or sun protection factor, refers specifically to UVB protection. Dermatologists recommend<\/a> choosing SPF 30 or higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UVA radiation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, UVA rays have a longer wavelength and reach deeper into the skin. \u201cUVA radiation contributes to long-term damage like photoaging<\/a> and skin cancer,\u201d says Kang. \u201cIt can also lead to solar allergies and certain immune responses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike UVB, UVA rays pass through clouds and glass\u2014meaning you\u2019re exposed even while driving or working indoors near windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UVA radiation cheatsheet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Main skin concern:<\/strong> Signs of skin aging, sun allergies<\/a>, and skin cancer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does exposure happen?<\/strong>  Indoors and outdoors, year-round<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra credit:<\/strong> Opt for broad spectrum sunscreen<\/a>\u2014meaning it meets FDA standards for UVA protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond UV: Other types of solar radiation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Solar blue light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High-energy visible (HEV) blue light helps us to see the world around us, literally. But research shows<\/a> that it may also contribute to visible changes in skin\u2014especially in people with deeper skin tones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSolar blue light has been linked to uneven pigmentation<\/a>. And when combined with UV radiation, it can have a compounded effect,\u201d shares Kang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Science spotlight:<\/strong> People with deeper skin tones are more reactive to blue-violet light. This light can trigger the skin to produce more pigment, even though it\u2019s less likely to burn. That means skin with a higher phototype<\/a> is uniquely sensitive to pigmentation concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Solar blue<\/strong> light cheatsheet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Main skin concern:<\/strong> Dark spots and uneven pigmentation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does exposure happen?<\/strong> Indoors and outdoors, year-round<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra credit:<\/strong> Solar blue light is 100 to 1000 times more intense than the blue light from artificial sources\u2014making upping your sunscreen use<\/a> the priority over cutting screen time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infrared radiation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Infrared-A (IR-A) is different from UV radiation in a few ways. The most noticeable? It\u2019s hotter<\/em>. While we can\u2019t feel UV radiation, our skin absorbs IR-A rays from the sun, causing that warm, sunny feeling. It\u2019s even used in some therapies for muscle tension relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But infrared radiation can also stress the skin. \u201cAlthough it’s the least energetic solar radiation, IR-A rays can penetrate skin and trigger oxidative stress, especially when combined with UV rays,\u201d explains Kang. The result? Wrinkles<\/a>, loss of elasticity<\/a>, and dark spots<\/a>\u2014otherwise known as the signs of photoaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Infrared radiation cheatsheet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Main skin concern:<\/strong> Amplifying the signs of skin aging<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does infrared exposure happen?<\/strong> Indoors and outdoors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra credit:<\/strong> Infrared or heat exposure is just one of many exposome factors<\/a>, like pollution<\/a> or stress<\/a>, that influence skin health and appearance over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerned about blue light or infrared exposure?<\/strong> Turn to a sunscreen<\/a> designed to offer extra defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Just the FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is there a relationship between UV radiation and skin color?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone\u2019s affected by UV radiation, no matter their skin tone.<\/strong> And those effects can include skin cancer\u2014making it incredibly important to use proper sun protection every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may also be at greater risk for UV-related damage, especially if they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n