What is Sunscreen?

The Food and Drug Administration concluded that sunscreens could help prevent skin cancer back in 1979 when they developed the first rating system for SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Soon after, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) became the first medical society to start a public education skin cancer campaign, warning the public about the dangers of overexposure to the sun. It was from that point that an entire industry was born. Today, sunscreens and sunblocks are among the most successful skincare products on the market.

Sunscreens block ultraviolet radiation from the sun, reducing chances of sunburn and the risk of skin cancer. There are a number of active ingredients that let sunscreens either absorb or reflect the two main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. Some ingredients (such as oxybenzone, avobenzone or Parsol 1789) screen out UVA rays, others (such as cinnamates and salicylates) screen out UVB rays. There are also physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is a natural source pigmented mineral, has an enormous refractive index (ability to bend light). This is why it is the first choice for powerful sunscreens.

The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by analyzing the amount of time needed to produce sunburns on protected skin versus unprotected skin. For example, if a sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a fair-skinned person who would normally turn red after ten minutes of exposure in the sun uses it, it would take twenty minutes of exposure for the skin to turn red. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 15, which means it would take 15 times longer to burn, or 150 minutes.

There are many different brands and types of sunscreen available, and they are classified according to their active ingredients. In addition, some sunscreens contain antioxidants that halt damaging byproducts that your skin produces during UV exposure.

Most experts agree that wearing sunscreen throughout the year is the best way to prevent cumulative damage, and it is recommended that sunscreen be applied 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.

It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and when you don’t plan on spending much time outdoors. If you are going to be outside for a while, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. If you’ll be in the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 45 or even 65. If you’re playing sports, make sure the sunscreen is waterproof and sweat-proof.

Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you’re going to spend time outside during this period it’s even more important to wear a sunscreen. By incorporating this into your daily routine, you’ll reduce the potential for sun damage.