Inthe last two decades, the media and the scientific community have highlightedthe depletion of the ozone layer and the resulting elevation in the levels ofultra-violet radiation (UVR) reaching the earth surface. [1] In the recentyears, consumers have become increasingly aware of the need of sun protection,which is related to the incidence of sun induced skin damage and itsrelationship with increased exposure to UV light. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation isone of the electro-magnetic radiations emitted by the sun which we cannot seeor feel but causes sun burns, skin damage and skin cancer. [2]


UVradiation consists of three regions depending on wavelengths.


1.     UVA: UV rays in the range of wavelengths in between 315nm 400 nm; may causes premature ageing and wrinkling of skin and also berecently implicated as a cause of skin cancer.

2.     UVB: UV rays in the range of wavelengths in between280nm-315 nm; more dangerous than UVA and has been implicated as a major ofcancers and sunburns.

3.     UVC: UV rays in range of wavelengths in between 100nm280nm;extremely dangerous but cannot reach due to absorption by ozone layer. [3]


Thus,it is important to protect the skin from excessive exposure to UV radiation. Itis a popular misconception that only fair skin people need to be concernedabout over-exposure to sun.


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This article was originally published in the New Cloth Marketmagazine, August, 2012.


About the Author:


Prof. (Dr.) S.K.Chinta*& Yogesh Wanere are associated with the D.K.T.E.'s Textile and EngineeringInstitute, "Rajwada", Ichalkaranji, Dist-Kolhapur (M.S.)