UVA rays are omnipresent throughout different seasons and penetrate the skin barrier to cause wrinkles, tanning and burns. UVB rays mainly damage the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. They are the primary cause of sunburn, inflammation, skin thickening and DNA damage - increasing the risk of skin cancer. Cold weather may delay your acknowledgement of burning and increase exposure to UV rays via reflection from snow at the same time. The delayed awareness of UV damage leads to prolonged exposure and cumulative mutilation. Such UV exposure may cause dryness, increase melanin and break down skin collagen, resulting in hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

UVA rays vs. UVB rays:

UVA rays are also known as ‘aging rays’, as they penetrate deep into the skin and cause elastin and collagen to break down. Elastin maintains the elasticity of the skin while collagen provides it with structure. Thus, over time, UVA exposure leads to premature aging via wrinkles, sagging and fine lines.

While UVA rays penetrate the skin, UVB - ‘burning rays’ - rays damage the outermost layer of skin via tanning and sunburn. However, UVB rays are much stronger during summer.

Though UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, UVA rays are able to pass through it - penetrating clouds and windows to reach your skin. Thus, they’re persistent all year round.

Benefits of using sunscreen year-round:

1.    Hydration and barrier protection: Sunscreens with moisturising and fortifying ingredients help prevent moisture loss and barricade the skin with sun protection, fending off dryness and irritation.
2.    Anti-aging: Sunscreens either reflect UV rays or absorb them, turning them into heat. This is done in order to ward off UV rays from penetrating the skin and breaking down skin collagen. Consequently, this prevents premature aging.
3.    Skin protection during outdoor activities: Sunscreens restrict UV rays from harming your skin via creating a protective film on the skin.

Why should you try Ayur’s sunscreen range?

Ayur’s sunscreens provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The Protection Grade of UVA, known as PA+, symbolises how powerful the sunscreen is in protecting against UVA rays. Ayur’s sunscreens range from PA+ , some UVA protection, to PA++++, the gold standard for maximum defense. While SPF, Sun Protection Factor, indicates how well the sunscreen protects from UVB rays. Ayur’s sunscreens range from SPF 15 to SPF 50 and the number generally means that it takes that much longer for the skin to burn compared to no sunscreen application.

To protect your skin all-year round, invest in some herbal sunscreen - Ayur Herbals’ of course!