UV
RADIATION

Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. Tanning beds can also emit UV radiation, but these are banned in Australia. Here we explain how the different types of UV radiation can damage your skin and provide more resources below.

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UVA and UVB

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There are two types of UV radiation which can cause damage to our skin – UVA and UVB.

 

UVA radiation won’t cause your skin to turn red - but penetrates deep into the skin and is a major contributor to skin cancer. It is the primary cause of wrinkles, sunspots and skin ageing.

 

UVB radiation penetrates the top layer of the skin, causing your skin to turn red and burn, or even blister, and also plays a role in the development of skin cancer.

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Using sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection is recommended.