Out of the multitude of skincare products in the world, there is one that is commonly misunderstood: the sunscreen. Generally known as a “protector from the sun” and a “staple on beach days” sunscreen’s benefits are much more expansive than the general public may assume.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main contributor to society’s need for sunscreen. Residing between x-rays and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum, UV rays are emitted by the sun in forms of UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are less harmful ultraviolet rays that are generally exposed to individuals on Earth. UVC on the other hand, is extremely potent and can cause intense burns and eye injuries. However, UVC rays are blocked from reaching Earth due to the ozone layer that acts as a barrier between the Earth and the Sun, causing only UVA and UVC rays to emit through.
In order to protect individuals from UV rays, sunscreen was created. Aiming to act as a protective barrier, sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer, aging, and sunburns. To do this, sunscreens are classified with a certain amount of sun protection factor, or widely known as, SPF. People may wonder what the many numbers on SPF truly entail. SPF 15, SPF 30, or even SPF 70, these classifications display how long one can stay in the sun without getting burned. For example, a SPF 30 sunscreen protects the skin for 30 times longer as compared to if one applied no sunscreen at all.
Sunscreens are categorized as organic or inorganic. Organic sunscreens absorb UV rays before they damage the skin while inorganic shields the skin to reflect the UV rays before penetrating it. Broad–spectrum sunscreen works to combat both UVA and UVB rays. Organic sunscreens are easier to rub and absorb into the skin therefore, more effective for sensitive skin. However, no version of sunscreen is better than the other. In fact, reapplying sunscreen every two hours is a more pivotal aspect of sun protection as sunscreen loses its protective properties no matter how much is applied, if not reapplied every two hours.
At the root of it, sunscreen is an essential skin protectant that works as a warrior against the sun. Everyone around the world can benefit from applying sunscreen, whether they stay in all day, love the outdoors, or are a mix in between.
Works Cited
Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation.” U.S. Food And Drug Administration, 19 Aug. 2020, www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation.
De Luzuriaga Md Mph Mba and Oluwakemi Onajin, Arlene Ruiz, MD. “Feel the Burn? Explaining the Science of Sunscreen.” UChicago Medicine, www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/explaining-the-science-of-sunscreen.
The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Sunscreen – the Skin Cancer Foundation.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 8 July 2024, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/#:~:text=Physical%20(mineral)%20sunscreen%20ingredients%20(,they%20can%20damage%20your%20skin.
Leave a Reply