Which UV ray is known for its role in causing skin aging?

UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin aging, as they penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB and UVC rays. These rays contribute to photoaging, which manifests as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity in the skin. UVA rays are present throughout the day and can penetrate through clouds and glass, making them a continuous risk for skin damage.

In contrast, UVB rays are more associated with causing sunburns and have a key role in the development of skin cancer, but they do not penetrate the skin as deeply and thus have a less direct impact on aging. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and do not typically reach the skin, making them the least relevant to skin aging. Therefore, the understanding of which UV rays contribute to skin aging highlights the significance of UVA exposure in the context of photodamage and skin health.