What's there in your sunscreen- your primary defense against the sun.
|
|
Time to read 5 min
You've heard it countless times before—sunscreen protects against sun damage. But have you ever wondered why it's hailed as your skin's primary defense against the UV rays? Let's dig deeper into the mechanism of sunscreen.
1. Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. The active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of your skin and deflect UV rays like tiny mirrors.
Mineral sunscreens are gentle and effective, but they can leave a white cast on the skin.
When UV light hits these mineral particles, the energy is scattered in all directions so less of it reaches your skin. Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB rays, while titanium dioxide primarily shields from UVB rays. For the best protection, look for a sunscreen with at least 5% zinc oxide.
Mineral sunscreens are a natural alternative if you have sensitive skin or prefer to avoid chemical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV radiation before it can damage your skin. Ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, and oxybenzone absorb specific wavelengths of UVA and UVB light. The energy is then released from the skin as heat.
While chemical sunscreens tend to feel lighter and less visible on the skin, some of the ingredients may be irritating or disrupt hormones.
In the end, the best sunscreen for you is the one you'll use generously and reapply regularly. Both mineral and chemical options can provide broad-spectrum protection, so choose a formula based on your preferences and skin type. Your skin's health depends on it!
2. Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens contain UV-filtering ingredients that absorb UV radiation before it can damage your skin. The most common chemical agents are:
Avobenzone -
Absorbs both UVA and UVB rays. It's considered the gold standard for UVA protection. The downside is that it can be irritating for most people.
Octinoxate -
Another popular UVB absorber that helps prevent sunburns. While effective, some studies have linked it to hormone disruption so check with your dermatologist if you have concerns.
Oxybenzone -
Also absorbs UVB and some UVA rays. However, oxybenzone may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and there are ongoing debates about its potential environmental impact.
Mineral sunscreens avoid these risks.
When UV light hits these chemical agents, they absorb the energy from the rays which then gets converted into small amounts of heat. This absorption of UV energy prevents the rays from penetrating into your skin where they can cause damage. For the best protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB blockers and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating a lot.
The key is finding one with ingredients that works for your skin.
3. What Happens When UV Rays Reach Your Skin
Your Skin Absorbs UV Rays
When UV radiation from the sun reaches your skin, most of it passes through the outer layers into the deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis. UVB rays typically penetrate the superficial layers of your skin, while UVA rays plunge deeper.
Your skin cells absorb this UV energy, which causes damage to proteins and DNA. Too much UV exposure leads to premature skin aging, sunburn, and increased skin cancer risk.
How sunscreen helps prevent Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure also leads to hyperpigmentation, those pesky dark spots and uneven skin tone. Both physical blockers and chemical absorbers work to prevent the excess pigment production that causes hyperpigmentation. By stopping UV radiation from reaching the layer of skin where melanin is produced, sunscreen helps ensure your skin tone remains even and radiant.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily helps prevent sunburn, skin aging, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer. Keep your skin safe and glowing for life by wearing sunscreen each and every day.
How sunscreen helps prevent Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure also leads to hyperpigmentation, those pesky dark spots and uneven skin tone. Both physical blockers and chemical absorbers work to prevent the excess pigment production that causes hyperpigmentation. By stopping UV radiation from reaching the layer of skin where melanin is produced, sunscreen helps ensure your skin tone remains even and radiant.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily helps prevent sunburn, skin aging, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer. Keep your skin safe and glowing for life by wearing sunscreen each and every day.
4. Choosing the Right SPF and Application for Maximum Protection
Choosing a sunscreen with the right SPF and applying it properly is key to maximizing your protection from UV damage.
But first, what exactly is SPF?
Stands for Sun Protection Factor.The SPF rating indicates how well a sunscreen can block UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn and skin damage. For example:
- SPF 15 filters about 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 filters about 98% of UVB rays
Higher SPF does mean more UVB protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays. SPF30 to SPF 50 are good options for most people. Anything higher may give a false sense of sun safety.
Reapply Frequently for the Best Protection
No matter the SPF, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming or heavy sweating. UV filters can break down over time and with sun exposure or water. Don’t just slap it on once and think you’re covered all day. Set a timer to reapply for the strongest shield against sun damage.
Use Generously and Cover All Exposed Skin
Most people don’t use nearly enough sunscreen. Don’t forget often missed spots like your ears, neck, hands and feet. For the best protection, apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to fully bind to your skin.
5. How much and how often should you shield your skin?
How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply?
To properly shield your skin, you’ll want to generously apply sunscreen before going outside. As a general rule of thumb,Aim for about 25-30gms (2 table spoons, or a shot glass full, to cover your entire body. For your face alone, use about a coin-sized dollop. Don’t skimp! Applying too little sunscreen won’t provide enough protection.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outside, especially if swimming or sweating a lot. Sunscreen wears off and washes away over time, even if it’s water resistant. Play it safe and reapply.
How Often Should You Wear and reapply Sunscreen?
Any time you’re outside during the day, you should wear sunscreen. UV rays are present even on cloudy or hazy days. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine year-round.
Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb into your skin. Put it on first thing in the morning as a base layer under your makeup or moisturizer. That way you’re protected from incidental sun exposure throughout the day near windows or walking outside.
For extended sun exposure like at the beach, pool or playing sports, be extra diligent about reapplying sunscreen frequently. UV radiation is most intense during the middle of the day, so limit time outside then when possible. And don’t forget to protect sensitive areas like your lips, ears, neck, and tops of feet.
Wearing the proper amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently and frequently is key to shielding your skin from sun damage over the long run. Make it a habit to safeguard your skin's health and youthfulness for years to come.
6. Conclusion
So there you have it, the fascinating science behind how sunscreen protects your skin. By absorbing or scattering the UV rays before they can wreak havoc on your skin cells, sunscreen acts as an invisible shield guarding you from sun damage.
While sunlight in moderation does have some benefits, too much unprotected sun exposure spells trouble for your skin health and appearance over time. Now that you understand the mechanisms that make sunscreen work, you'll never again wonder why slathering it on is so important. Make sun safety a habit
So lather up that sunscreen, slather it on generously, and reapply regularly.
