Sunscreen is an important part of the daily skin regime. But when it comes to sunscreens, hundreds of options are available in the market.
Different skin types have different requirements for sunscreens. Hence, the task of choosing one sunscreen is quite overwhelming.
There has been a constant rift between the best sunscreens on the market. Some have chemicals while some have physical barriers.
Which is the best for you? Do the geographical aspects affect the choice of sunscreen?
What is Mineral sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreen forms a shield on the upper layer of the skin.
The UV rays are reflected from the outer layer of the skin. If the UV rays enter the skin, they can cause hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Physical sunscreens do not enter the bloodstream and are a safe option for pregnant women and new mothers.
The key elements of physical sunscreens are titanium oxide and zinc oxide. Both the elements have chalky structures and are pure white.
The particle size of these elements is relatively large and thus cannot enter the skin through the pores.
Physical sunscreens are not the first choice for people of color. These sunscreens are difficult to blend and can cause a white cast on the skin, giving a ghastly look.
Most physical sunscreens are not water resistant and can easily run off in extremely hot weather conditions.
What are chemical sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens do not reflect the sun’s rays. Instead, they absorb them.
Some chemical sunscreens also have micronized titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
The key ingredients in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and octisalate.
Chemical sunscreens are more lightweight and thin than physical ones. They do not leave any white cast on the skin.
These chemical sunscreens get absorbed in the skin and thus enter the bloodstream. It is not advisable for new moms to use chemical sunscreens. It can harm the newborn baby via breastfeeding.
The chemical sunscreens have caused reactions in some people. Some of them have resulted in skin irritation and redness.
What are UVA and UVB rays?
The UV rays are known to penetrate the deeper layers of skin and damage the DNA in cells. These rays generate genetic defects and cause cancer.
There are three kinds of UV rays known; UVA, UVB, and UVC. We need sunscreens to protect us from UVA and UVB rays.
Both UVA and UVB have different effects on the skin. UVC rays do not reach the earth’s surface.
UVA rays
UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can easily penetrate through the ozone layer. Almost 95% of the UVA radiation reaches the surface of the earth.
The UVA rays also penetrate deeper into the skin and cause more harm than UVB rays. The effect of UVA radiation is not visible overnight. However, the results are drastic.
These results are seen in the form of premature aging and skin cancer. If you have premature aging, it is not too late. You can visit the best dermatologist near you for anti-aging treatments .
However, it is essential to start applying sunscreen after that.
One might think that if there is no sunlight, the UV rays are not present. Nevertheless, UVA radiation is at all times present in the atmosphere.
Additionally, they can penetrate the windows. Thus, making it crucial to wear sunscreen even indoors.
While buying sunscreen, look for the term broad spectrum. It refers to the tendency of protection against UVA rays.
UVB rays
They have shorter wavelengths compared to UVA rays. The UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns and hyperpigmentation.
These rays damage the outermost layer of the skin, making it vulnerable to more damage. The intensity of the sunlight affects the amount of effect UVB rays have on the skin.
A person without sunscreen would experience sunburns within 15 minutes of the sun.
However, UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and do not penetrate glass.
The Gist of the Matter
It is important to put on sunscreen while going out in the sun, no matter which. Sensitive and acne-prone skin should use a mineral sunscreen instead of a chemical one.
Orthoderma Clinic has the best services for anti-aging and acne scar treatments. You can consult Dr. Vidushi Singal for sunscreen recommendations.