UVA and UVB Sunscreen Protection and Age Spots

We want to protect our skin from premature aging and age spots, so we are accustomed to looking for an SPF number on the package. However, this rating did not make clear whether the product protected against the two main types of UV radiation that reach the earth from the sun, UVA and UVB. Over the next two years, a new rating system will be required that lists the UVA and UVB-protective strength of products found in the store.

The rating will consist of the SPF, or “sun protection factor”, which will now be thought of as the “sunburn protection factor” – as always, a higher number means greater protection. This rating applies to the UVB spectrum. The rating will also consist of one to four stars and a description of the products protection against the UVA spectrum. A greater number of stars means a greater degree of UVA protection.

What are UVA and UVB, and how do they contribute to age spots and aging?

All the heat and light in our universe have frequencies, or differing wavelengths. UVA and UVB are both part of the invisible to our eyes ultraviolet spectrum. UVA is a little longer in its wavelengths. UVB is slightly shorter. There is also UVC, but almost all of it blocked by the earth’s atmosphere, so it isn’t an issue in product formulations.