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What Are Uva Rays?

What Is UVA?

Uva rays are ultraviolet light coming from the sun, with a wavelength that goes from 320nm to 400nm. For a long time it was thought that ultraviolet light rays were harmless for the skin, because researchers believed that they didn't reach the skin's first layers.

Experts now know that is in fact the opposite, and that these rays, which have a longer wavelength penetrate deep into the epidermis, up to the dermis, damaging collagen and cells.

Danger Of Ultraviolet Light

There are more uva sun rays in sunlight than uvb rays and they are the main responsible for:

Premature skin aging
Skin pigmentation
Skin tanning
Are even related to some forms of skin cancer

The damage produced by uv sun rays accumulate with each exposure. Uva rays pass through windows, can reflect off water, sand and snow, increasing the chances for your skin to absorb more sunlight. They also produce the same damage in summer or in winter, even in cloudy days without you being aware of it.

Ultraviolet Index

Because these rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm and are very damaging for our skin, it will be a good idea to check the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) before going out. UVI is a number that goes from 1 to 11, and indicates the amount of uva rays reaching the Earth's surface, at any point in time.

You can find this in the weather section of any local newspaper. The higher the UVI number, the more intense the exposure is.

Uva Tanning

The use of uva tanning beds or any other kind should be avoided. They can cause even more damage than the sun's rays, because tanning beds are mainly made of ultraviolet light. And you know what that means: premature aging skin that will make you look like your granny before your time, and you don't want that, do you?

Self-tanning is your best bet. There are many choices available in the market today. Remember to always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen, that blocks both types of rays with an SPF 15 or more; every day of the year.
Apply uva sunscreens generously 20 minutes before going out and reapply often if out in the sun, and after swimming.

And don't forget to protect your eye-sight through the year, especially in the hotter months, from the harmful UVA rays, with good quality uva uvb sunglasses such as these ones Versace Sunglasses 2007 Collection for Women at UnitedShades.Com . You can find here the latest models of real designer sunglasses, with free shipping for USA and the European Union countries.

Home Remedies For Damaged Skin

Mask for prematurely aged skin

Exfoliate your skin before using this mask, to get rid of dead cells. The ingredients will penetrate your skin better. You will need:

One teaspoon of honey
One egg yolk
Few drops of extra virgin olive oil.

Mix all the ingredients by hand. If the mixture is too runny just add a little bit of flour or oats. Apply it on the face and neck, and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and apply your daily moisturizer. The more you use this mask the better the results will be.

Find out here about UVB rays .

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