How does “sun screen” work?

You should enjoy the sun with sunscreen. Why? It is essential to use sunscreen on your face, hands, and other parts of your body that may be exposed to the sun. There are three kinds of UV radiation that come to earth: UV_A, UVB, and UV_C.

UV_A

This radiation is the reason why the skin gets older when exposed to the sun. UV_A has the lowest energy level among other UV rays. It can affect the top layer of the skin and cause premature ageing and wrinkles. They can go through the window and the clouds. They can also affect the DNA indirectly.

UV_B

UV_B has a higher energy level than UV_A, and it is the reason for sunburn and blistering after being exposed to sunlight. Some of the UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but others get through it. Windows can block UVB but not UV_A, and that is the reason why drivers experience one side of their face ageing more than the other.

UV_C

UVC has the highest energy level and is able to cause serious damage. But the good news is that UVC is blocked by the atmosphere. So we just need to protect our bodies from UVA and UVB. But the question is, “How?” Sunscreen!

How does sunscreen works?

Everyone must use sunscreen every day, 30 minutes before going out. Using sunscreen protects you from skin cancer, burning, and losing the elasticity of the skin. Actually, we have two kinds of sunscreen, which are as follows:

Physical blocker sunscreen

When you apply this kind of sunscreen cream to your skin, it acts as a barrier and doesn’t let the UV rays reach your skin by reflecting them. Some chemical substances, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are used in this kind of sunscreen. In fact, zinc oxide sunscreens are recommended for people who have sensitive skin.

Chemical blocker sunscreens

These sun screens (which contain avobenzone) can absorb the sun’s rays and block them. Using chemical sunscreens is easier, and that is the reason why most people choose them. They don’t make your skin sticky.

“In most cases, chemical sunscreens do not leave a visible film layer on the skin, which makes them easier to wear on a broader range of skin tones.”

Healthline

However, there are some people who have an allergic reaction to the chemical blockers in sunscreens. Using physical blockers in sunscreen is a better choice for them.

What is sunscreen SPF?

SPF is a determination of the sunburn protection factor. It shows the protection this product can provide before the skin starts to burn because of the UVB effect.

Best sunscreen for everyday use

You should pay attention to some factors. First of all, the SPF should be more than 30, and it is better to be water-resistant.

It is important to note that sunscreen is not enough to protect yourself from the sun. You should use shields wherever you can.

• What is a good sunscreen for oily skin?

If you have oily skin, your sebaceous glands produce more sebum, which means you should not use oil-based products. So it is better to use water-based ones instead.

The bottom line

You may have sunscreen lotion or cream in your everyday skincare products, but what are they? And why do you use them? The most important answer to this question is to prevent UVA and UVB from affecting the skin. Actually, UVA is the reason why your skin ages when exposed to the sun, and UVB makes the skin burn. You can determine of the sunburn protection factor by SPF. It is better to use sunscreen with an SPF of more than 30 every day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of sunscreen?

Using sunscreen can protect the skin from UV rays. We have three UV rays: UVA (the reason for ageing), UVB (the reason for skin burning), and UVC (which can’t get through the atmosphere).

Is sunscreen and SPF different?

Yes. Sunscreen may have different SPFs (sunburn protection factors). It is better to choose sunscreens with an SPF greater than 30.

Are there 2 types of sunscreen?

Actually, we have two kinds of sunscreen, which are as follows: physical blockers and chemical blockers.

Which one is best sunscreen?

You should pay attention to some factors. First of all, the SPF should be more than 30, and it is better to be water-resistant.

Is 100% sunscreen safe?

If you use SPF 15, it will be able to protect the skin from 93% of UVB rays, and SPF 30 can also protect it from 97% of UVB rays. However, 100% UVB prevents 99% of UVB rays from reaching your skin.