As more of us spend time outdoors under the scorching rays, sun protection becomes even more essential. One effective method of shielding our skin from damaging UV rays is sunscreen. In this article, we’ll look at why and how sunscreen plays such a critical role in safeguarding health and defending ourselves against damaging rays from the sun.
What is the Purpose of Sunscreen?
Sunscreen acts as a protection shield to ward off ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, including UVA and UVB radiations that penetrate deeply into skin tissue causing premature aging; UVB rays cause sunburns on outer layers of skin which expose them to direct sun. Sunscreen contains active ingredients that work against these UVA and UVB radiation sources in different ways.
Physical Sunscreen
Surface sunscreens or mineral-based sun protection solutions work by dispersing and reflecting UV rays back onto themselves, usually through zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. This creates a protective barrier on top of the skin surface which blocks and reflects sun rays away.
According to an article published by CCL Mineral and Chemical, physical sunscreens that include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection by scattering and reflecting both types of rays.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it to less harmful forms such as heat. Active ingredients, such as organic compounds like Avobenzone or Oxybenzone as active ingredients which undergo chemical reactions upon application in order to absorb UV rays and protect the skin.
In a research paper from the Canadian Medical Association Journal, it highlighted the effectiveness of chemical sunscreens for absorbing and converting ultraviolet radiation. This provides protection against sunburns as well as other harmful effects.
Why Is Sunscreen Important?
Sunscreens provide more than just protection from sunburn; they’re essential to safeguarding our skin against UV rays and skin cancer risk. Here are a few reasons why sunscreen should be an integral part of daily skin care:
Skin Cancer Prevention
Most forms of skin cancer are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Applying sunscreen with an SPF 30 rating or higher is proven effective at protecting skin from exposure, thus decreasing its risk. Regular sunscreen usage reduces both the likelihood of melanoma as well as non-melanoma forms of cancer development.
Anti-Aging Benefits:
Sun exposure can accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. You can prevent this early skin aging by applying sunscreen daily – keeping your complexion youthful and healthier! This will also contribute to a younger-looking appearance!
Protect against sunburns and skin damage:
Sunburns can be both painful and an indicator of potential skin damage. Sunscreen provides a barrier that protects against sunburns while simultaneously decreasing risk factors associated with inflammation, redness, and peeling as well as protecting against future sunburns.
Maintenance of an Even Skin Tone
UV radiation can cause hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and an uneven complexion. By protecting against further UV-induced discoloration through regular sunscreen use, an even skin tone is maintained more easily. Consider one of our skin treatments to help alleviate this concern. With little to no downtime, you’d be ready for another beach trip after your session.
Always wear sunscreen all year long – not only during the summer. Understanding the purpose and function of sunscreen will allow us to protect our skin against UV radiation while decreasing the risk of cancer development, keeping a youthful appearance, and improving overall skin health. Applying regular and generous applications of sunscreen while seeking shade and wearing protective clothes will keep our bodies protected against its powerful rays.
