How does sunscreen work: Everything You Need To Know

What does sunscreen do for your skin?

Sunscreen is a popular choice for protection against ultraviolet radiation and is the easiest way to protect the beauty and health of your skin at any age. They help prevent sunburn and premature aging (e.g. wrinkles, sagging skin). Sunscreen also helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and skin reactions like sunburn caused by certain medications. Using sunscreen doesn't mean you can stay in the sun indefinitely. Damage to your skin cells can still happen. There are different types of sunscreens available in many forms like cream, lotion, gel, stick, spray, lip balm etc.

How to apply Sunscreen:

People do not put sunscreen on enough or correctly even when they put on sunscreen. This deflects the positive effects it could have on skin. Follow these guidelines:

• Sunscreens or sunblock cream should be applied to uncovered patches of skin that clothing will not cover.

• Minimum of an ounce, compensating to fill a shot glass, should be poured over body areas even if the normal body would require an ounce to cover the whole body. You may have to increase or reduce the amount of sunscreen according to the size and hairiness of your body.

• Apply it to dry skin, preferably 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, to allow it to absorb.

• Reapply sunscreen now and then, about every 2 hours, plus after swimming or sweating.

• Put sunlight protection on your lips with a lip balm or lipstick containing with SPF of 30 or higher. 

Remember, too, that children need protection from the sun. Sunscreens should be used already for those six months old and above. Babies under six months are generally approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use of sunscreen should the conditions of adequate clothing and shade have been lacking. Try to reduce the exposure of infants to sun and not directly to sunlight. Use lightweight clothing that covers the most surface areas of skin. A small amount of sunscreen may also be administered for exposed areas like the baby's face and back of hands.

Types of sunscreen:

• Mineral & physical sunscreen: Also known as mineral sunscreen, these are located on the outermost layer of the skin and act as a physical barrier by bending the sun's rays, like tiny mirrors. They use minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier that reflects harmful radiation. Since physical sunscreens block the sun's rays directly at surface level, they can provide optimal protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. You should apply this type of sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going out in the sun. 

• Chemical sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens penetrate deeper layers of the skin. These contain chemical elements like avobenzone, octocrylene or octinoxate, which absorb radiation and convert it into heat, which is then dissipated by the skin. They resemble the sun and are easy to identify, which makes them popular. But it's important to use them sparingly and regularly to make sure they work well. They also make great water-resistant sunscreens because they absorb quickly into your skin.

How to choose sunscreen for different skin types?

Sunscreen for oily skin

Oily skin types have overactive sebaceous glands that produce excessive sebum, resulting in the skin surface becoming sticky and shiny. When looking for sunscreen for oily skin, you should use water-based sunscreens instead of oil-based creams for oily skin to get the best results.

Sunscreen for dry skin

Choose sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides that will protect your skin from UV rays and keep it well moisturized. The best sunscreen moisturizer will leave your skin feeling nourished, as well as residue-free while providing lasting sun protection.

Sunscreen for combination skin

People with combination skin, i.e. oily T-zone and dry cheeks, can benefit from a lightweight gel-based sunscreen that can help control oiliness in the T-zone and moisturize dry areas on your cheeks.

Sunscreen for normal skin

If you have normal skin, you can use any high-quality mineral sunscreen.

Sunscreen for sensitive skin

Chemical sunscreens produce heat and can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin, so you should choose a mineral sunscreen.

Advice on choosing the right sunscreen

A sunscreen protects the skin from dangerous infections caused by sunburn and lowers the risk of a suntan by absorbing or scattering ultraviolet radiation. Choosing a good sunscreen is important for protecting the skin. Choose a sunscreen that offers:

• Broad-spectrum protection. This would include protection from UVA and UVB rays.

• An SPF of 30 or more

• Water resistant or waterproof. This means that the sunscreen is effective while swimming or sweating for a specified amount of time: either 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the label.

This should be the best form of sunscreen. The type or brand is a matter of personal choice. Sunscreen comes in lotions, creams, gels, ointments, wax sticks, and sprays. Know that every sunscreen has a different active ingredient. Avoid these if you have a very sensitive skin type.

UVA/UVB protection in SPF skincare products

A broad spectrum SPF is always important. This is because different kinds of UV rays exist, and each type involves threats that are different from the other. The most-commonly known and protected against rays with SPF products are UVB rays. These rays typically occur during the hottest months of the year and at the bright sunlight hours of the day. They are usually responsible for burning the skin. However, UVA rays are more subtle because they are present all year round because the sun is bright. They penetrate through glass and clouds and are said to break down collagen and elastin in our skin. They are also responsible for different types of skin cancer. So, there is always a need for our SPF to be both.

What common ingredients in sunscreens should you avoid?

While you might buy a sunscreen spray or a lotion, let your sunscreen only have good things for the skin and avoid these:

• Oxybenzone or Octinoxate: These chemicals, which are sadly very common in sunscreens, are quite worrisome. Some sources note that the two may be concerned with hormone disruption, not only for animals but also as elements causing coral bleaching.

• Retinyl Palmitate: This form of vitamin A used in sunscreens may be capable of raising the risk of skin cancer from its dermal application.

• PABA: This active ingredient, which used to be very common in sunscreen, is linked to hormone disruption and an increased risk of cancer.

• Benzene: This is colorless, flammable, and liquid and is a byproduct of either petrolatum or certain compounds in spray propellant. It is well documented carcinogen environmental hazard. So that you can prevent this common ingredient from sunscreen, one has to look for a non-aerosol spray.

• Parabens: Preservatives are parabens that can also irritate or cause allergic reactions in your skin, especially if you have preexisting skin conditions. 

• Phthalates: This is an active ingredient of chemicals used as solvents and stabilizers in different formulas. They are also "endocrine disruptors" and have been related to other health hazards, including cancer. 

• Synthetic fragrance: This is manufactured to mimic a natural fragrance; it is, therefore, chemical compounds. Some of these are petroleum based, which may have irritating effects on sensitive skin.