The Little Secrets of the UV “Three Brothers”

We often hear that we need protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays and that photoaging is a major cause of skin aging. But what exactly is UV radiation? Imagine that within sunlight there is an invisible “special squad” – these are the ultraviolet rays. This squad has three very different brothers: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Getting to know them is the first lesson in protecting your skin.

UVA – Long-wave Ultraviolet

The “big brother,” UVA (315-400 nm), makes up about 95% of the UV rays that reach us. He may seem gentle, but he has a powerful ability to penetrate, passing easily through glass and clouds to reach the deeper layers of the skin. UVA is the slow but steady culprit behind tanning, premature aging, and wrinkles, working quietly yet persistently.

UVB – Medium-wave Ultraviolet

The “hot-headed” UVB (280-315 nm) accounts for about 5% of UV radiation. It carries higher energy but does not penetrate as deeply — glass and thick clouds can block much of it. UVB mainly affects the surface of the skin and is responsible for sunburn, redness, and peeling. It also plays a key role in vitamin D production. UVB is strongest in summer and around midday.

UVC – Short-wave Ultraviolet

The “invisible” UVC (100-280 nm) is the most energetic and dangerous of all. Fortunately, Earth’s ozone layer acts as a “super shield,” blocking nearly 100% of UVC before it reaches the ground. Under normal conditions, it does not reach us — though it is widely used in professional disinfection applications.

Sun Protection Tips

• Choose products labeled “broad-spectrum” to protect against both UVA and UVB.
• Look for both PA (UVA protection) and SPF (UVB protection). We’ll explain these in detail in our next edition.
• Don’t let your guard down on cloudy days or near windows indoors — UVA is always on duty.

By understanding the UV family and practicing smart sun protection, we can enjoy the beauty of sunshine while keeping our skin safe and healthy.

About Us

Fujian Disheng Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the R&D and production of UV absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), and cosmetics-grade UV filters. The products are widely used in polymers and daily cosmetics, effectively mitigating UV damage to materials and human skin while enhancing weather resistance. and are widely used across plastics, coatings, textiles, elastomers, films, personal care, and other sectors. Disheng Technology serves customers across China and in global markets including Europe, North America, East Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company has successfully passed certifications for ISO management systems covering quality, environment, occupational health and safety, and energy, and is recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise and a National SRDI Little Giant Enterprise.

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