Cumulative Sun Damage: Why It All Adds Up
Every unprotected minute is a deposit in the damage bank.
Visible light is ~45% of sunlight; UV is ~5-7%; infrared makes up the rest.
The Skin Cancer Foundation notes UVA passes through clouds and ordinary window glass.
Frequently asked questions
How does UV light age and damage skin?
UVB is absorbed by DNA in surface cells, causing direct mutations that can lead to skin cancer. UVA penetrates deeper, generating free radicals that damage DNA, collagen and elastin — producing wrinkles, sagging and dark spots. The damage accumulates over a lifetime, so daily protection pays off.
What does the UV index mean and when should I protect my skin?
The UV Index, from the EPA and WHO, rates the strength of midday UV on a scale from 1–2 (low) to 11+ (extreme). Dermatologists generally advise sun protection whenever it reaches 3 or higher. It appears in most weather apps and rises with sun elevation, altitude and proximity to the equator.
r/30PlusSkinCare: 'Is the UV index app on my phone actually accurate?'
Sources & citations
- D'Orazio J et al., 'UV Radiation and the Skin,' Int J Mol Sci, 2013;14(6):12222-12248
- wearshade.com ↗