What type of UV rays are primarily responsible for skin aging?

UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin aging due to their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and damage the collagen and elastin fibers. This damage leads to a breakdown of skin structure, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of elasticity. UVA rays are also associated with photoaging, a process that accelerates aging signs on the skin, such as pigmentation irregularities and a leathery texture.

Moreover, UVA rays are prevalent throughout the year, penetrating clouds and glass, which means people can be exposed to them even indoors or on cloudy days. This constant exposure underscores the importance of protecting the skin from UVA rays to maintain a youthful appearance.

In contrast, UVB rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin and are mainly responsible for sunburns, while UVC rays are largely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the skin. Visible light rays, while they affect skin health in various ways, are not classified as UV rays and do not contribute significantly to skin aging.