What is UV Radiation and How Does It Affect Your Skin?

Sunlight may feel warm and welcoming, but hidden within it is UV radiation—an invisible force with profound effects on your skin. While we often hear terms like UVA, UVB, and SPF, their true meanings—and the science behind them—are frequently misunderstood. 

Key Facts About UV Radiation: 

UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, divided into three main types based on wavelength: 

• UVA: Penetrates deep into skin, contributing to premature ageing (wrinkles, sunspots, hyperpigmentation) and long-term damage. 

• UVB: Primarily responsible for sunburn and direct DNA damage, increasing skin cancer risk. 

• UVC: Mostly blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, but artificial sources can be harmful. 

Critical Finding: 
UVB is 1,000 times more effective than UVA at triggering erythema (sunburn), but both contribute to long-term skin damage. 

Expert Insight: 
Precise language in photobiology isn’t just academic—it shapes effective sun protection guidelines. 

SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION: DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY 

Paul J. Matts PhD 

BACKGROUND 

The definition of and terminology associated with UV and its effects on human biology have been, and continue to be, an area where there is abundant potential for confusion and inaccuracy.  

In recent years, matters have been made worse as the highly exacting field of photobiology has been popularised due to dramatic rises in the incidence of skin cancer in developed geographies and the ensuing need for national education programs.  

This article includes a brief review of modern definitions, nomenclature, and terminology associated with this topic. 

OBJECTIVE 

To provide a brief review of modern definitions, nomenclature, and terminology associated with this topic. 

METHOD

The article reviews the electromagnetic spectrum and the location of ultraviolet radiation within that spectrum.  

It discusses the subdivisions of UVR into UVA, UVB, and UVC based on wavelength and the biological effects of each.  

It also explains the concept of minimum erythema dose (MED) and standard erythema dose (SED) as measures of biologically effective dose of UVR. 

RESULTS

The UVA waveband is approximately 1000 times less effective than the UVB waveband in causing erythema in human skin.  

The study also establishes that the erythema action spectrum, which describes the relative effectiveness of different wavelengths of UVR in causing erythema, is comparable to action spectra for other forms of UVR damage, such as DNA damage and nonmelanoma skin cancer. 

CONCLUSION

As the field of photobiology continues to grow with concurrent integration of its findings and recommendations into public policy, there is an increasing need for the use of correct and standardised terminology and nomenclature.  

A proper understanding of the origin of many of the terms that are taken for granted and consequently misused should help to facilitate clear and correct communication, free of myth and confusion. 

Click here to read the full study >