Ultraviolet Light (UV Light)

Ultraviolet Light (also called UV Light, Cold Light, and Actinic Light)

Is an invisible light that has: a short wavelength (giving it higher energy) and is less penetrating than visible light (causing chemical reactions to happen more quickly than visible light), produces less heat and kills germs.

BENEFITS of UV Light ⭐️

• Promotes (or boosts) the skin to produce vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that is good for bone growth and health.

• Has been used to kill bacteria on the skin.

We need sunlight to survive on the planet but too much sunlight can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

It is estimated that one in five American will develop skin cancer and that 90% of those cancers are the result of exposure to UV radiation from natural sunlight, sun lamps and tanning beds

There are 3 Types of UV light:

1. ULTRAVIOLET A (UVA)

Ultraviolet A is also called aging rays. UVA has the longest wavelength of the UV light spectrum and penetrates directly into the dermis of the skin, killing DNA cells and damaging the collagen and elastin by weakening the skin’s collagen and elastic fibers.

(Overall causes genetic damage and cell death)

UVA light is the light that is often used in tanning beds.

2. ULTRAVIOLET B (UVB)

Ultraviolet B light is also called the burning light because it is most associated with sunburns. Excessive use of both UVA and UVB light can cause skin cancers.

3. ULTRAVIOLET C (UVC)

Ultraviolet C light is blocked by the ozone layer.
If the Earth loses its protective layer of ozone, life as we know it will no longer exist. UVC is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens.

CAUTION ⚠

Although the application of UV light can be beneficial, it must be done with the utmost care in a proper manner by a qualified professional — overexposure can lead to skin damage and skin cancer.

Before the visible violet light of the spectrum is ultraviolet light; it is the shortest and least-penetrating light of the spectrum.

Beyond the visible red light of the spectrum is infrared red light, which produces heat.