UV rays are part of the radiant energy emitted by the sun and are divided into three types:

UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVC, due to absorption by the atmosphere very little reaches Earth’s surface. UVB, about 10 percent reaches the earth’s surface. UVA hits the Earth’s surface to a greater extent, however UVB produce biological damage and contribute to consequences that are associated with sun exposure as: burns, sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.

The sun emits light, heat and UV radiation and this gives strength and life to earth, however excessive and uncontrolled exposure may cause serious chronic health effects such as skin cancer, eye damage and immune system suppression.

Another source of UV rays are artificial light sources, such as tanning beds and sunlamps. They are as dangerous as solar radiation, avoid them.  Every time you expose to UV rays, you are causing irreversible damage to the skin cells and causes an adverse and cumulative effect, which may result in skin cancer in the future.

Daily exposure is as important as that occurring during vacations in sunny climates. Therefore we recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, also wear long sleeves and hat every day even if it is cloudy.

Remember, protecting yourself from the sun is never out of fashion.

Source: World Health Organization