The painful, bright red sunburn after a day in the sun serves as a reminder of your mom's advice to wear sunscreen. Spending even a few minutes in the sun without sunscreen can cause a sunburn. Severe sunburns leave you uncomfortable, but leaving your skin exposed to the sun's rays presents other risks.
Significance
Ultraviolet rays are the invisible rays of sunlight that cause the most damage to the skin, including sunburns. The two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, both cause the negative skin effects. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. UVA rays reach deeper into the skin, causing wrinkles, leathery skin and other signs of aging. The protective benefits of sunscreen vary, but the general use of sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and sun damage while reducing the risks of skin cancer.
Function
Sunscreens protect the skin in different ways depending on the specific ingredients. Zinc oxide, titanium oxide and other inorganic ingredients scatter and reflect the UV rays. Oxybenzone and other organic ingredients absorb the UV rays. The rays are then dissipated as heat, according to the Library of Congress's Everyday Mysteries website.
Types
Sunscreen comes in many varieties and application methods. Sunscreen is available as a lotion, gel, spray or stick. PABA-free and oil-free sunscreens offer options for those with sensitive skin. SPF, or sun protection factor, ranges widely on different sunscreens. A higher SPF indicates a higher level of protection from UV rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are available and protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
Usage
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunscreen daily for everyone over 6 months of age. The organization recommends avoiding sun exposure for babies under 6 months. About 1 oz. of sunscreen should be applied to the skin 30 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating excessively.
Considerations
Choosing the correct sunscreen depends on a number of factors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If a certain brand of sunscreen causes a skin reaction, try a different brand with different ingredients that won't irritate your skin. Combining sunscreen with other sun protection, such as hats and sunglasses, provides you with the most effective protection. Staying in the shade and avoiding the sun during its strongest time, from 10 a.m until 4 p.m., will protect your skin even more.
