Different Effects of UV Radiation on You

UV rays or ultraviolet rays are found in sunlight naturally but can also be emitted by electric arcs and specialized lights such as mercury lamps and black lights. Most of the UV rays in the sun do not reach you; they are absorbed by nitrogen and dioxygen and filtered out by the ozone layer. Although these rays are invisible, they have a lot of effect on you. The effects of UV radiation from the sun and other sources can be both positive and negative. UV radiation does not only affect the outer surface of your body but also the insides. It causes substantial damage to the molecules in the biological system. Here are some effects of UV radiation on you.

1. It helps in the production of Vitamin D

Our body needs UV rays from the sun to produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps strengthen our bones by increasing calcium absorption by the body's cells. Vitamin D found in sunlight also helps the body fight against diseases such as rickets. Some studies have also proven that Vitamin D helps lower the risks of certain types of internal cancers such as colon cancer.

2. It helps in the treatment of psoriasis

When you have psoriasis, your skin sheds too quickly which results in dry, itchy, and scaly patches on your skin. When exposed to UV radiation, however, this process is slowed and the symptoms of Psoriasis go down making your skin feel much better. Apart from this UV rays is also used in disinfecting fish tanks and sterilizing medical equipment which can prevent you from getting infected.

3. Sunburn

As much as the positive effects UV radiation can have on you, it can also cause some negative effects on you such as sunburn. Sunburn occurs when your skin is damaged by exposure to UV rays.

4. Photoaging

Photoaging is another effect on the skin that is caused by exposure to UV rays and radiation. Wrinkles, loosening of the skin, and dark spots on your face and arms are also a result of UV radiation on your body. Take care when you get tanned too many times, you may be paying it with bad skin later.

5. It can be bad for your eyes

The UV rays can be reflected on your eyes by sand and snow. Even when you are not looking up at the sun, the amount of UV rays your eyes are exposed to increases by this reflection. Especially if you are not wearing protective shades when you are in the now, this radiation can cause a condition called photokeratitis or snow blindness. This however is not permanent and receded after a few days.

6. Skin cancer

UV radiation and overexposure to the sun are mainly responsible for skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and possibly melanoma. More than the UV rays from the sun, it is the radiation from the tanning beds that can be more damaging.