The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are a silent menace. They bombard our skin every day, even on cloudy days. And while they may give us a golden glow, they’re also responsible for sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
But there is hope. Sunscreen is a powerful weapon in the fight against UV rays. It can protect our skin from the sun’s harmful radiation, and reduce our risk of skin cancer.
But how does sunscreen work?
Well, in this article, we will walk you through how the best sunscreen work to protect your skin from harmful rays. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
How Sunscreen Works to Block Harmful Rays?
Sunscreen works by providing a protective barrier on your skin that helps block or absorb the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. There are two main types of UV radiation that sunscreen is designed to protect against:
- UVA (Ultraviolet A):
UVA rays are responsible for skin aging and can penetrate the deeper layers of your skin. They contribute to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and the loss of skin elasticity.
- UVB (Ultraviolet B):
UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and can damage the outermost layers of your skin. They are also a major contributor to the development of skin cancer.
Here’s how sunscreen works to block or absorb these harmful UV rays:
i. Chemical sunscreens
These sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that absorb UV radiation and transform it into harmless heat. The specific chemical compounds in the sunscreen determine which types of UV rays they can protect against. Common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
ii. Physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens)
These sunscreens use inorganic compounds, typically zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, to create a physical barrier on the skin. Instead of absorbing UV rays, these sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering the rays away from the skin. They provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an essential tool in protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It works by either absorbing or reflecting the ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing them from penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin. The active ingredients in sunscreen create a protective barrier that shields us from both UVA and UVB rays.
By regularly applying sunscreen with a high SPF, we can significantly reduce the risk of sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer. So next time you step out into the sun, don’t forget to slather on some sunscreen and take care of your skin!