Which UV ray reaches the dermis to degrade scaffolding like collagen and elastin?
Answer
UVA
Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is specifically responsible for penetrating deeper into the skin layers, reaching the dermis. In this deeper layer, UVA rays act destructively upon essential structural components of the skin’s matrix, namely collagen and elastin. The degradation of these proteins is what leads to the loss of firmness, elasticity, and the subsequent formation of wrinkles and sagging over time. In contrast, Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays primarily focus their damaging effects on the more superficial epidermal layer, where they are known to cause direct damage to cellular DNA, which can manifest as immediate sunburn but also contributes to overall photodamage.

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