Sunscreens protect the skin against immediate damage from sunburn and long-term damage from skin cancer and the advanced signs of aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. A variety of sunscreens and sunscreen ingredients exist. Each blocks different kinds of ultraviolet radiation and some may be more suitable than others.
UVB Blockers
Ultraviolet B, or UVB, rays are those given off by the sun that affect the skin's outer layer, according to Go Sun Smart. This means sunscreen types that block UVB rays are able to protect against sunburn. While only 5 percent of the sun's rays are from UVB rays, experiencing a sunburn can damage the skin permanently. You can recognize UVB blockers by their ingredients, which may include padimate O, homosalate, octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone, octyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid and octocrylene, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. When purchasing a UVB blocker, be sure to use at least a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, according to GoodHousekeeping.com.
UVA Blockers
Ultraviolet A, or UVA, rays are those that penetrate beyond the outer layers of skin and result in damage to the skin's underlying layers. This can result in premature aging, according to Go Sun Smart. Wrinkling, age spots and a general slackening of the skin can be the result of damage from UVA rays. UVA rays that protect against UVA damage include oxybenzone or avobenzone, which can be labeled as Parsol 1789, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Avobenzone helps to deflect the sun's most damaging rays, according to GoodHousekeeping.com. Neutrogena manufactures a proprietary ingredient named Helioplex to fight off UVA rays. Cosmetic brands Lancome and Anthelios also manufacture sunscreens containing a UVA-blocking ingredient called Mexoryl.
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. This means application can prevent sunburn, skin cancers and premature aging, according to ConsumerReportsHealth.org. If you have very allergy-prone skin, broad-spectrum sunscreens that have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide may reduce skin reactions and protect against the sun. Other sunscreen types that are broad-spectrum and can protect against allergic skin reactions include those that are PABA free. Sunscreens containing PABA are associated with skin irritation. These should carry the PABA-free label, according to Go Sun Smart.
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