Light affects your skin, even when the sun goes down

UV light is part of the sun’s natural energy, which is sent towards the earth as invisible ultraviolet rays. It is these energising rays that give us a tan and provide vital vitamin D, but unfortunately they are also the ones that can damage the skin if you spend too much time in the sun.

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UV rays come in different wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC rays, of which only UVA and UVB radiation penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and reach our skin. And then there are the blue rays, HEV light – but what exactly is that?

What is UVA?

UVA rays are the longest in wavelength and account for 95 per cent of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause premature signs of ageing on the skin’s surface and damage to the deeper layers. This is because UVA rays produce free radicals that damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, which are what keep the skin young and supple. Free radicals are also known to be a contributing factor to conditions such as skin cancer.

Remember: UVA rays – the ‘A’ stands for ‘ageing’ of the skin.

What is UVB?

UVB rays have a shorter wavelength than UVA rays and account for the last 5 per cent of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. UVB rays only affect the superficial layers of our skin and are therefore responsible for sunburn and skin damage when we spend too long in the sun. When the skin is exposed to UVB rays without sun protection, there is a risk that the DNA of skin cells will be damaged. This can lead to DNA mutations, which may ultimately result in skin cancer.

Remember that UVB rays are the ‘B’ in ‘burnt’, as they burn the skin’s surface.

What is HEV light?

HEV stands for high-energy visible light and is also referred to as blue light. Just like UVA and UVB rays, HEV rays come predominantly from the sun, and research shows that they are just as harmful to the skin as UV rays. Blue light has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers than UV rays and is therefore a major contributor to wrinkles, rough skin texture and pigmentation spots. It can be difficult to avoid blue light, because even after the sun has set, you’re still exposed to light from your mobile phone, computer screen and tablet.

That’s why it’s essential to care for your skin with extra antioxidants, which prevent the free radicals from blue light from causing damage deep within the skin. Karmameju’s sun creams contain powerful plant-based antioxidants and vitamins that effectively help protect the skin against blue light. The best protection against blue light is to reduce screen time and use an antioxidant-rich sun cream. Karmameju recommends using the PRE & AFTER SUN serum-lotion under your sun cream to provide extra antioxidant protection.

When should you protect yourself from the sun?

The intensity of the UV rays hitting our skin is determined by how high the sun is in the sky.

The UV index can be used as a local guide to when it is particularly important to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, as this measurement indicates how strong the sun’s rays are right where you are. However, even if the UV index is low, UV rays are still active and will affect your skin.

Check the DMI for today’s UV index.

Protect your skin all year round with Karmameju SUN

It’s important to protect your skin against both UVA and UVB radiation during prolonged exposure to the sun. Some people choose to use sun protection on their face all year round, whilst others only do so in summer. Sunlight is present all year round, and how often you choose to protect your skin is a personal decision. The sun’s harmful UVA rays can penetrate both clouds and glass, so it can be beneficial to protect the skin on your face, neck and hands all year round. 

With Karmameju SUN, you get luxurious skincare and sun protection in a single tube. The physical, mineral-based sunscreen in the range consists of zinc oxide and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as well as HEV light, by gently reflecting UV rays away from the skin. Karmameju’s sun creams nourish the skin with hydrating, revitalising and protective ingredients, making the range ideal for both everyday use and on holiday.

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