STRATOSPHERE
OZONE
EARTH
COSMIC RAYS
GAMMA RAYS
X-RAYS
ULTRAVIOLET
VISIBLE LIGHT
INFRARED
RADIO WAVES
MICROWAVES
SUN
UVC
UVB
UVA
HIGH ENERGY - SHORT WAVELENGTHS
LOW ENERGY - LONG WAVELENGTHS
Absorbed by Ozone
in Stratosphere
Partially Absorbed
by Ozone
Partially Absorbed
by Ozone
e l e c t r i c i t y a n d e l e c t r i c a l e q u i p m e n t
197
6
Salon Fundamentals
TM
Esthetics
1. UVC rays are ultraviolet rays that are
beyond the ozone and have little effect on
the exposure that the skin receives. UVC rays
are the shortest in length and range from
200 nm (nanometers) to 280 nm.
2. UVB rays are the ultraviolet rays that
we are exposed to most frequently from
the sun. UVB rays range from 280 nm320
nm. These rays penetrate the lower layers
of the epidermis and stimulate melanin
production. Although shorter than UVA
rays, UVB rays are one thousand times
more powerful and are the rays that cause
sunburn. They are sometimes referred to
as "the burning rays."
3. UVA rays are the longest of the ultraviolet
rays and are most frequently used in tanning
booths. UVA rays take a longer period of time,
and require a much larger dose to burn the
skin. However, they have the ability to
penetrate beyond the epidermis, to the dermis
and destroy valuable protein substances,
collagen and elastin fibers. UVA rays are also
necessary for the synthesis of Vitamin D.
Courtesy of P&G Beauty
Invisible ultraviolet
light is described as
three wave-lengths.
UVC is absorbed by
the ozone layer of
Earth's atmosphere.
UVB is partially
absorbed by the
ozone layer. UVA
penetrates the
atmosphere and
reaches the earth.
UV light can be used
effectively during facial
massage. The skin should
be cleansed before ultraviolet
light is used on the client. For
germicidal treatments, place
the lamp at least 30" (76 cm)
from the area to be treated. This
distance allows the strong short
waves to penetrate intensely.
Expose the skin initially for one minute. Check for
reactions. One to five minutes of total exposure
time is recommended. For larger areas, like the
back, place the lamp 30" to 36" (76 to 91 cm)
from the area. Exposure can be up to 15 minutes.
The current trend of using tanning beds or booths
(that use UV light) poses serious questions for the
professional esthetician. Minimal tanning can be
healthy looking, but any tanning does cause
damage. Over time, sun exposure causes dry,
leathery, peeling, itching, wrinkling, and sagging
Both the client and the esthetician must wear
protective eyewear, such as cotton eye pads or
goggles, during UV light therapy treatments.
