Importance of Sunscreens

Image: Credit link

Before I dive into sunscreen formulation, I want to discuss how important sunscreen really is.

Sunscreen is very important because it protects our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays that are of concern to us: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin (320-400nm) into the dermis and cause photo-aging, cancer, and photosensitivity. UVB rays do not penetrate into the dermis but only in the epidermis (290-320nm) and can cause sunburn and cancer. It is helpful to remember the “A” in UVA as aging and the “B” in UVB as burning. You will feel the effects of UVB exposure shortly in the form of a sunburn. The effects of UVA exposure take years to appear and you will see it in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, etc. In fact, repeated exposure to harmful UV rays is responsible for up to 90 percent of the more visible signs of aging. A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine in June 2013 is the first objective research conducted in humans that shows conclusive evidence that sunscreen prevents the premature signs of aging that are directly related to sun exposure (Credit link). It is important to wear sunscreen that is labeled as broad spectrum so that you will be protected from both UVA and UVB rays.

To show you the damaging aging effects that UVA

exposure has on skin, take a look at this truck driver who spent 28 years receiving UVA exposure on the left side of his face from the car window. It is eye-opening to say the least!

Image: Credit link

There is no fountain of youth but sunscreen is the closest thing to it in my opinion! Wear sunscreen all 365 days of the year (not just at the beach!) for healthy, young-looking skin.

In the next series of posts I will talk about sunscreen actives and formulation of sunscreens.