Ultra-Violet Radiation

Also known as:  Black Light;  Ultraviolet Radiation;  Ultra-Violet Light;  Ultra-Violet Rays;  UV Light;  UV Radiation

Ultra-Violet Radiation is a spectrum of Electromagnetic Radiation (invisible to the human eye) with wavelengths between 200 and 400 nanometers - i.e. it is shorter than (visible) Light but longer than X-Rays.

Nervous System

 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may occur as a result of the decrease in exposure to UV Radiation that occurs during the reduced Sunlight hours of Winter.

Skin

 Exposure of afflicted areas of the Skin to UV Radiation (especially UV-B Radiation) may temporarily alleviate Psoriasis. 

Sterols

 UV Radiation converts the 7-Dehydrocholesterol form of Cholesterol to the Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) form of Vitamin D within the body.

 On exposure to UV Radiation, Ergosterol converts within the body to the Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) form of Vitamin D.

Polyphenols

 UV Radiation activates Furocoumarins (including ingested Furocoumarins and topically applied Furocoumarins):

 Caution:  Furocoumarins have some detrimental side-effects.

Vitamins

 UV Radiation (UV-B form) converts the 7-Dehydrocholesterol form of Cholesterol to the Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) form of Vitamin D in the Epidermis of the Skin.  ^[1]

 UV Radiation converts Ergosterol in Fungi and Yeasts to the Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) form of Vitamin D.

Amino Acids

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may inhibit the ability of UV Radiation to activate Elastase in the Skin and may inhibit the ability of UV Radiation to damage the body’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).  .  ^[2]

Carbohydrates

 Beta 1,3 Glucan (applied topically or administered orally) may protect Langerhans Cells (specialized cells of the Immune System that are located in the Epidermis layer of the Skin) from the toxic effects of Ultra-Violet Radiation. 

Carotenoids

 Beta-Carotene may inhibit the generation of Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals by UV Radiation:  ^[3]

 Beta-Carotene may inhibit the ability of UV Radiation to initiate Skin Cancer.

 Beta-Carotene may increase the amount of exposure to UV Radiation that can be tolerated prior to the manifestation of Sunburn.  ^[4]

 Canthaxanthin may inhibit the generation of Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals by UV Radiation and may inhibit the ability of UV Radiation exposure to cause Skin Cancer.  ^[5]

Cosmeceuticals

 Unlike many other Bronzing Agents, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - an active ingredient in some modern Sunless Tanners - may block the absorption of some Ultra-Violet Radiation - it provides protection equivalent to SPF 2 with one application and three applications can provide protection equivalent to SPF 5.  The Ultra-Violet Radiation blocking effects of DHA do not occur until the first bronzing effects from its application appear.

 Gluconolactone may inhibit Ultra-Violet Radiation-induced Skin damage (photoaging).  ^[6]

 Glycolic Acid (applied topically) may counteract the Photoaging of the Skin caused by UV Radiation (UV-A or UV-B) exposure - specifically it may improve general Skin texture, may counteract discoloration and may prevent Wrinkles of the Skin caused by UV-A or UV-B exposure.  This effect may occur even if Glycolic Acid is applied to the Skin up to four hours after exposure to UV Radiation.  Glycolic Acid may also inhibit the ability of UV Radiation to cause Skin Cancer.  ^[7]

 Retin-A (applied topically) may rejuvenate damaged Langerhans Cells and may increase the number of viable Langerhans Cells in the Epidermis of the Skin of people with photodamaged Skin (i.e. in people whose Langerhans Cells have been diminished/damaged as a result of excessive exposure to the UV Radiation component of Sunlight).  It may also counteract various other detrimental aspects associated with exposure of the Skin to UV Radiation and may inhibit the ability of UV Radiation to stimulate the production of Collagenase in the Dermis of the Skin.  ^[8]