Sunscreen has become an integral part of one’s daily skincare routine. With companies releasing new products and formulations, people have many options to choose from. Each sunscreen has different characteristics and may set differently on various types of skin. Sunscreen works to protect against UV radiation. It has usually been primarily used for sunburn prevention. However, with the progressing science industry, we can see the importance of protecting ourselves against skin cancer, skin damage, and skin aging. In the past few decades, many studies have been conducted to formally assess the efficacy of sunscreens. Online influencers even perform at-home self-studies to compare the latest sunscreens on the market. Several randomized controlled trials displayed a reduction in the risk of squamous cell and melanoma cancers. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, requiring adequate protection against UVR.
Sunscreens are available as sprays, gels, lotions, and solid blocks. However, there are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens contain minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide which sit on top of the skin upon application. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, get absorbed into the skin. Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays, whereas chemical sunscreens, which contain UV filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, deactivate the rays upon absorption into the skin. Mineral sunscreens have immediate effectiveness while chemical sunscreens take approximately 20 minutes to fully work. As mineral sunscreens contain an astringent such as zinc oxide, it’s more likely to cause dryness. The minerals cause the sunscreen to have a thicker consistency which may lead to a white cast formed on the skin. This makes it difficult for individuals with darker skin to find an appropriate sunscreen. Many people may opt for chemical sunscreens due to their hydrating abilities, lack of a whitecast, and blendability. However, due to their active ingredients, individuals are more likely to experience allergic reactions, irritation, and clogged pores. The FDA has even inquired into the UV filters used in chemical sunscreens, stating the absorption into the skin, into the bloodstream, may negatively impact one's health. Although no official statement has been released, many have stated that the benefits of protection against skin cancer outweigh the risks.
Sunscreens state their SPF, otherwise known as, sun protection factor. This measures how much the product will protect you from UVB and UVA rays. It is important to use a minimum of SPF 30. It may be a game of trial and error in the beginning before you select the product that works for you. One thing that many individuals, myself included, forget to do is reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen usually needs to be reapplied every 2 hours. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied after swimming or sweating. It is also a misconception to wear sunscreen on sunny days. UV rays are still present on a cloudy day. Many medications such as benzoyl peroxide, doxycycline, and voriconazole require sun protection, or else photosensitivity reactions such as redness, itchiness, pain, and rash may occur. Individuals should educate themselves about the benefits of sun protection and research which products work best for their skin.
Sunscreen has become an integral part of one’s daily skincare routine. With companies releasing new products and formulations, people have many options to choose from. Each sunscreen has different characteristics and may set differently on various types of skin. Sunscreen works to protect against UV radiation. It has usually been primarily used for sunburn prevention. However, with the progressing science industry, we can see the importance of protecting ourselves against skin cancer, skin damage, and skin aging. In the past few decades, many studies have been conducted to formally assess the efficacy of sunscreens. Online influencers even perform at-home self-studies to compare the latest sunscreens on the market. Several randomized controlled trials displayed a reduction in the risk of squamous cell and melanoma cancers. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, requiring adequate protection against UVR.
Sunscreens are available as sprays, gels, lotions, and solid blocks. However, there are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens contain minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide which sit on top of the skin upon application. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, get absorbed into the skin. Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays, whereas chemical sunscreens, which contain UV filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, deactivate the rays upon absorption into the skin. Mineral sunscreens have immediate effectiveness while chemical sunscreens take approximately 20 minutes to fully work. As mineral sunscreens contain an astringent such as zinc oxide, it’s more likely to cause dryness. The minerals cause the sunscreen to have a thicker consistency which may lead to a white cast formed on the skin. This makes it difficult for individuals with darker skin to find an appropriate sunscreen. Many people may opt for chemical sunscreens due to their hydrating abilities, lack of a whitecast, and blendability. However, due to their active ingredients, individuals are more likely to experience allergic reactions, irritation, and clogged pores. The FDA has even inquired into the UV filters used in chemical sunscreens, stating the absorption into the skin, into the bloodstream, may negatively impact one's health. Although no official statement has been released, many have stated that the benefits of protection against skin cancer outweigh the risks.
Sunscreens state their SPF, otherwise known as, sun protection factor. This measures how much the product will protect you from UVB and UVA rays. It is important to use a minimum of SPF 30. It may be a game of trial and error in the beginning before you select the product that works for you. One thing that many individuals, myself included, forget to do is reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen usually needs to be reapplied every 2 hours. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied after swimming or sweating. It is also a misconception to wear sunscreen on sunny days. UV rays are still present on a cloudy day. Many medications such as benzoyl peroxide, doxycycline, and voriconazole require sun protection, or else photosensitivity reactions such as redness, itchiness, pain, and rash may occur. Individuals should educate themselves about the benefits of sun protection and research which products work best for their skin.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25207381/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33721254/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7759112/