Unmasking Sunscreen Technology: How To Find Best Sunscreen For Your Skin

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"Nothing looks better in your fifties like sunscreen in your twenties,"- This one-liner summarises the uses and benefits of sunscreen amazingly. Sunscreen technology is becoming more popular because of the higher numbers of skin cancer cases and sun-damage effects from ultraviolet radiation. These products have proven effective in reducing these skin issues and their recurrence.

The sunscreen cream performs 3 actions to prevent sun damage:

Blocking sunlight
The UV filtering molecules in sunscreen absorb the radiation before it can penetrate the skin's inner layers and harm the cells. This is the primary function of the cream's non-metallic ingredients.

Reflecting sunlight
Metallic components in sunscreen can reflect back UV rays before they reach the skin.

Scattering sunlight
UV rays that are reflected cause little to no harm because they get scattered away from the skin with less energy.

What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to how well a sunscreen protects against UV rays. No sunscreen provides 100% protection. Since some UV radiation still penetrates the skin, the SPF of sunscreens roughly reflects how long it takes for a sunburn to happen for a particular skin type.

If one starts to burn in 10 minutes, SPF 30 prevents it for about 300 minutes, which means the sun damage takes place 30 times slower.

Different Types of Sunscreens
The commercial preparations of sunscreens use a combination of compounds to boost their efficacy. Its efficacy will determine the SPF number that the sunscreen has to offer. On a broad scale, the sunscreen creams contain:

• Inorganic compounds: titanium dioxide (TiO2), kaolin, talc, zinc oxide (ZnO), calcium carbonate, and magnesium oxide
• Organic compounds: oxybenzone, avobenzone, ecamsule, etc. These compounds can act as UV-A filters, UV-B filters, or even as broad-spectrum sunscreens.

Benefits of Sunscreens
The benefits of wearing sunscreen every day on the face are well-known. But the latest buzz in medicine is about the benefits of using sunscreen indoors. Yes! That's right. Let us see how.

The usual benefits of sunscreen include:

• Prevent sunburns
• Reduces the chances of developing skin cancer

The unfamiliar benefits of sunscreen include:

• Protection against blue light (screen light)
• Fading of stubborn scars
• Slowing down the formation of wrinkles and fine lines
• Slowing down the signs of ageing

The formation of free radicals and the production of pigments are accelerated by the blue light emitted by digital screens. The metallic oxides in sunscreens like zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxide are ideal for absorbing this blue light and protecting the skin.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin
The market is flooded with sunscreen lotions, creams, gels and many more. They all claim to be the best. But you need to understand your skin first to figure out which sunscreen to buy.

When choosing a sunscreen for your skin type, consider the following:
Skin Type:
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that won't clog pores. If you have dry skin, look for a moisturizing sunscreen with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. If your skin is sensitive, a fragrance-free sunscreen with no alcohol is the best.
SPF Level:
In order to block 97% of UVB rays, the American Academy of Dermatology advises using sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If you have fair skin or a history of skin diseases, you may want to use a higher SPF.

Ingredients:
Look for sunscreens that contain physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays, can irritate sensitive skin.

Usage:
If you are a water baby or an active sportsperson, then a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF higher than 30 is advisable.

How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
As over-the-counter (OTC) products, sunscreens are typically sold as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, pastes, oils, butter, sticks, and sprays.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using one ounce, or 30 ml, or just about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to cover the entire body. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully absorb into the skin. Don't forget areas like the lips, scalp, and hairline, as they are also susceptible to sun damage. Use a lip balm with SPF, wear a hat to protect your scalp, and apply sunscreen to any areas of the hairline that are exposed. Reapplication depends on exposure to the sun and the amount of sweating.

Sunscreen Myths and Misconceptions: Debunked
Before we close for today, let's quickly break down a few misconceptions about sunscreens!
Myth: If I wear makeup with SPF, I don't need to use sunscreen.
Fact: While cosmetics with SPF can offer some protection from the sun's UV rays, they frequently fall short of offering complete coverage. Before using SPF-containing makeup, it's still crucial to apply sunscreen as a base layer.
Myth: Sunscreens are only for the sun
Fact: I have already debunked this myth; sunscreens are against all forms of radiation, like electronic gadgets and digital screens.
Myth: Summer is the only time to wear sunscreen
Fact: UV rays can harm the skin and speed up the ageing process, and they are present all year round, even in the winter. Regardless of the season, sunscreen should be worn daily.
Myth: Since I have dark skin, I don't need sunscreen.
Fact: Although those with darker skin tones are less likely to burn, they are nonetheless at risk of developing skin cancer and UV damage. Everyone should wear sunscreen every day, regardless of skin tone.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.