What is UV?

The effects of UV radiation are invisible and unnoticeable

UV radiation from sunlight is always all around us. It comes from both direct and indirect sunlight. The UV intensity varies depending on the season and is stronger in summer than in winter. What’s more, the intensity of the UVB rays changes over the course of the day. It can be up to 150 times stronger at midday than it is at 6 a.m. UVA rays are open to far fewer fluctuations. It is therefore important to protect yourself from them at all times.

UVA & UVB

Because both UVA and UVB rays are harmful you need protection from both kinds of rays. To make sure you’re getting effective UVA as well as UVB coverage look for a sunscreen that protects you from both.

UV levels are highest during the middle of the day and vary in strength depending on the season and your location. For the safety of your skin, check the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s daily forecast for sun protection times in your area before you go outside

NIVEA’s scientific research team were the first to produce a sunscreen with UV filters, in 1933 and we have been innovating ever since. Every product in the NIVEA SUN range today contains UVA and UVB filters

Sunscreen protects your skin against damage caused by exposure to UV rays by means of UVA and UVB filters that absorb and reflect harmful UV light. When you apply sunscreen, the UV filters form a thin, protective barrier on the surface of your skin and essentially absorb the harmful UV radiation before it penetrates and damages your skin

Diagram of epidermis and UVA penetration

When UV rays reach your skin

UVA rays do not cause any painful symptoms on the skin but they do penetrate very deep into the cells of the dermis. They create free radicals and can damage cells in the long term.

Diagram of epidermis and UVB penetration

Be careful of too much of a good thing

UVB rays only penetrate into the epidermis. They are responsible for your bronzed complexion, but also for sun-induced skin damage.

The intensity of uv radiation

When does the sun shine at its brightest?

What is UV index?

It tells you the times during the day that you need to protect yourself from UV radiation. (Sun protection times are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 or above)

When to use UV Index?

UV radiation reaches us in varying intensity, both directly from the sun and indirectly, for example, through reflection off the sand on the beach. The intensity depends on many factors, including the time of year and the time of day, reflective surfaces, the distance from the equator and the height above sea level. The intensity of UV radiation is therefore different depending on the time, place and surroundings.

Check your weather app each day for the UV rating

It's not just when the sun it out when there is a great deal of UV radiation

The intensity of UVB radiation, is at its highest during the summer months, at around midday, close to the equator, at higher altitudes, as well as in or near water, snow or other highly reflective surfaces.

Why you need uv protection.

Learn about the potential dangers of UV rays.

Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation

THE SKIN AGEING PROCESS

UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply – all the way into the dermis. Although we are usually not aware of them because they aren’t painful, they form free radicals which are able to damage cells and DNA. This can lead to allergies and skin ageing: about 80% of wrinkles are caused by UVA light.

The intensity of ultraviolet change over the course of the day

SKIN DAMAGE

The sun rays give us a beautiful glow and stimulate the skin’s vitamin D production which is particularly important for bone stability and our health in general. But you should always be cautious of the risks of UV rays. Because of their high energy levels, UVB rays can directly damage the DNA, which can lead to skin damage.

Always read the label. Follow the directions of use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently