Sunscreens are skin care products that are essentially used to protect the skin .Our skin itself is a barrier to protect the internal organs and yet, it is very fragile and susceptible to any type of damage. One of the most potential threatening agents to our skin are the ultra violet rays that come in three – UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. The sunscreens available here filter that portion of rays that is harmful to the skin. Sunscreens are available in the form of lotions and creams under a variety of brands with varying SPFs.
When a person applies a sunscreen, the ingredients that compose this sunscreen help in reflecting the sunlight away from the skin and prevent the skin from getting diseases like skin cancer. Some of the sunscreens are known to control damage by absorbing the ultra violet rays and block them from reaching the skin. Sunscreens are different from sun blocks; however some of the sunscreens are known to possess a portion of sun block also. The functioning of sunscreen depends on its composition, presence of SPFs, and mode or method of applications. These factors are discussed below.
The formula for the composition of sunscreens is known to be a combination of certain organic and inorganic compounds. Ideally, there are two types of ingredients that are active. The first one is inorganic particles like zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These are known to physically protect the skin, reflecting back or scattering the ultra violet lights. The other active ingredients are organic compounds that are known to protect the skin by absorbing the ultra-violet rays and then releasing these rays in the form of heat energy. Inorganic compound appeared like white paints earlier. However, these days due to advanced nanotechnology, the sunscreens have become transparent and clear, and are still equally effective. Examples of organic compounds that make the sunscreen more effective are Benophenones, Cinnamates and Paba.
Sunscreens work with the relevant ingredients that are known to combat the ultra violet rays by reflecting them or by absorbing them and converting them into heat energy, but they cannot be completely effective unless they provide not only a broad spectrum coverage but also SPF – Sun Protecting Factor. Though every sunscreen possesses a small amount of this, they work specifically for UVB rays as they prevent sunburn. This factor is based on multiplication, which means that the quantity of SPF mentioned needs to be multiplied by 40 to ascertain the time a person can spend in the sun without getting burned. For instance, if the SPF of a sunscreen is shown to be 10, then this on multiplication would convert to around two and a half hours. Thus, this sunscreen with 10 SPF would ideally be effective for two and a half hours.
Sunscreens are available in the form of lotions and creams and can be either medicated or scented. They are available under various brand names and available at any general store. As these sunscreens take time to spread and become effective, the best time to use is half an hour before heading out under the sun or towards the swimming pool. Ideally, these sunscreens are water and oil based and so can be easily rubbed all over the body. Care should be taken to avoid rubbing or massaging it into the skin. One should just about apply it on the skin generously and let the skin absorb it liberally.
Got to know what is sunscreen and how does it work. Sunscreens are one of the best solutions to avoid tanning and sun burn, but one must select the right product according to the skin type and effectiveness. One should read the instructions as to how does sunscreen work and the directions of its use, so as to optimize its benefits.