This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Ultraviolet sunlight (and sunscreens)

Authoring team

To choose the correct sunscreen, one must be aware of the nature of the damaging agent: ultraviolet - UV - radiation. UV rays are classified into three groups:

  • UVA - wavelength 320-400nm; accounts for 90% of the total
  • UVB - wavelength 290-320nm; higher energy rays which are by far the most damaging
  • UVC - wavelength 200-290nm; filtered out by the ozone layer

Sunscreens mainly work by blocking ultraviolet B wavelengths which are primarily responsible for sunburn. There is however now evidence that ultraviolet A can also damage the skin. Now most sunscreens available in the UK have good ultraviolet A blocking agents in addition to ultraviolet B blocking agents.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.