When we talk about sun protection, we’re referring to the effort to shield our skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation—one of the most significant external factors contributing to skin damage and premature ageing. UV radiation from the sun consists of three types of rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
Fortunately, UVC rays are almost completely blocked by the ozone layer, so they do not reach the Earth’s surface. However, UVA and UVB rays do—and they are responsible for the majority of visible and invisible harm to our skin. These rays can penetrate the skin, damage DNA, and increase the risks of skin cancer.
The Bigger Picture
Both UVA and UVB rays are present daily—even when the sky is cloudy. You may not immediately feel the consequences, but the damage accumulates over time, making consistent sun protection a daily necessity.
But is UV radiation the only threat our skin faces?
Not at all.
In today’s world, our skin is also challenged by environmental aggressors beyond sunlight—such as pollution and even blue light emitted from our electronic devices.
So how do these additional factors affect our skin?
And how is modern sun protection evolving to defend against them?
Written By: Dr. Tan Kian Meng, PhD in Engineering Technology (UTHM)
✨ Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the surprising environmental stressors our skin encounters every day—and why today’s sun care goes far beyond UV protection.
