The fact is that sunscreens absorb, reflect, as well as scatter the sun’s rays on the skin. The higher the SPF (sun protection factor), the more they will be able to protect from sunburn, which is mostly caused by the UVB rays. Sunscreens come in creams, sprays, gels, as well as lotions, sticks, besides ointments. Though a higher SPF number provides better protection, it will not necessarily increase the length of time that you can be exposed to the sun. In case you have sensitive skin, it’s best to go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from both UVA and UVB radiation besides protecting your skin from sun rashes as well as burn.
Sunscreen Works
Use sunscreen as a part of your skin protection program. But in case you want to use it most effectively, ensure that the sunscreen you choose is both effective as well as a good match to your skin type besides your lifestyle. Thus, this article will go deeper into the workings of sunscreens in order to help you understand how they work, what impacts their effectiveness, as well as their potential risks.
Chemical as well as physical sunscreens/sunblocks
Physical sunblocks work by reflecting or scattering UV radiation while the chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays. Though the two words are used interchangeably, sunblock are usually insoluble and leave skin with a white matte look, but they rub off easily and hence, need to be frequently reapplied. The main ingredients in sunblock include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the UV rays. Though this too may be referred to as sunblock, but the chemical sunscreens generally contain chemicals which are absorbed into the skin so that you don’t get the white matte look which physical sunblocks leave.
Certain sunblocks act both physically as well as chemically. One example is bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M), whose main ingredient, titanium dioxide, is by definition considered a physical sunblock. But because of its ability to absorb UV rays, it can be considered a hybrid sunblock too.
Physical sunblocks, typically offer a wider range of UV protection and are safer than the chemical alternatives as they do not get absorbed into the skin. But they sit on top of the skin and, tend to leave the skin with a white matte look.
While choosing a sunblock, look very carefully at the ingredients and read the labels thoroughly. Remember that UVB rays are the ones which cause sunburn, but UVA rays are also dangerous. So find a sunblock/sunscreen that works in order to counteract the effects of both types of UV rays. There are some things to think about while choosing your sunscreen:
To What Extent will you be Protected?
Regardless of what you choose- physical sunblock, chemical sunblock, cream or stick, what you are looking for is a sunblock that protects you from the harmful UV rays. Though each chemical and active ingredient in a sunscreen has its advantages, the one indicator given on every product that will let you know its effectiveness is the SPF, which is the sun protection factor. The higher the SPF, the better will be the UV protection.
The sunscreen is Soluble or not?
What this means is that, whether the sunscreen will get absorbed into the skin (soluble) or will it remain topical (insoluble)? Soluble sunblocks penetrate the skin which, as a positive side effect, tends to extend the UV ray protection time. The bad news is that, as per the sensitivity of the skin, other problems may occur such as a reaction or increased acne. In case the sunscreen is water soluble, however, it may be better for acne sufferers as such sunscreens tend to be low-oil. In case sunscreens are insoluble, then they can be considered as physical sunscreens.
Is the Sunblock Toxic?
Acute toxicity of sun blocking agents is not really a problem in the sunscreens which are being used nowadays. Only amino benzoic acid (PABA) is known to cause skin irritation, and its use in skin care is declining. But safety concerns can’t be discounted altogether. There is a lack of data on the possibility of low-level skin damage over time with the frequent use of sun blocking ingredients. Besides, there is also lack of long term data which is prevalent in the other skin care ingredients. A concern with a UVB sunbock known as octyl methoxycinnamate is that in animal studies it has been shown to produce hormonal (estrogenic) effects. Though there is no evidence that such effects occur with human usage, it’s certain that more safety research of this as well as other sunblocks is absolutely needed.
It needs to protect from both UVA and UVB Rays
UVA and UVB Rays
Read the labels carefully as you are choosing your sunscreen. Most of them offer a sufficiently high degree of reliable, comprehensive as well as a safe sun protection. But some sunscreen products protect against UVB but not UVA and vice versa is also true. Even those that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, they may still rub off easily or not last long enough. So read labels carefully and in case you are still unsure, check with your dermatologist.
In most of the commercial sunscreens you will find a combination of two or more sun blocking agents. Some sunscreens attempt to improve the performance of their products by including special active ingredients which enhance their UV-blocking capacity, which also helps to inhibit the sunscreen’s degradation as well as neutralizes harmful free radicals. Like, Octocrylene is a fairly weak UV blocker, but when used in conjunction with other UV absorbers, it has been shown to improve their performance.
Conclusion
Now that you have understood sunscreens a bit better, it’s time to choose the best sunscreen for yourself. It may be a little difficult at first to find the best sunscreen. The next section goes deeper into that concept in order to better equip you in your search.