How Does Sunscreen Work?

Is there really a difference between sunblock and sunscreen? Absolutely! Sunblock completely reflects the sun’s rays so it does not reach the skin at all; sunscreen filters sunlight and only allows some of the rays to reach the skin. Zinc oxide or titanium oxide are reflective particles found in sunblock, which leaves behind a very white appearance on the skin. Sunscreens usually have some active ingredients of sunblock within the formulation.

Since sunblock ingredients are always found in sunscreen why is there a need for both? Well you’ve probably noticed in the store there are different numbers on the bottles known as SPF. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This number determines how long you can stay in the sun before you begin to burn. Just for an example; say you can be in the sun for 20 minutes without burning and you’re using an SPF of 10, the sunscreen will allow you to stay in the sun for 10 times as long or 200 minutes. If you burn within five minutes of being in the sun using an SPF 10, you will begin to burn in 50 minutes.

Sunburn is caused by the UVB rays from the sun, also known as “burning rays.” Sunscreen and sunblock protect you from those rays. SPF does not protect you from UVA rays or “aging rays” which lead to premature aging and cancer. It is suggested to stay out of the sun to prevent premature aging and cancer. Broad-spectrum protection may also be used in place of an SPF alone. Broad-spectrum protection protects from both UVB and UVA Regardless of which you use, all should be reapplied as the manufacturer suggests.

The sunscreen screens or filters some of the ultraviolet rays away from the skin. The three types of rays are UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays like stated before are known as “aging rays” that penetrate deep into the skins tissue causing premature aging and cancer. UVB rays are “burning rays” which tans and burns the skin. UVC rays never reach the skin because they are absorbed into the atmosphere. UVA and UVB rays are the two to be most concerned about.

When shopping for a sunblock or sunscreen always check for a high enough SPF to keep you protected, whether it’s broad spectrum or not and how often it needs to be applied. Sunblock and sunscreen work by reflecting and reducing harmful rays that could not only cause a tan, but premature aging and even cancer.
Content Provided By: Alexia Hites