Sunscreen is a topical lotion applied to prevent sun damage. The sun's ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the skin and is known to cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles and age spots, and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Using sunscreen can prevent damage caused by the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
Benefits
The benefits of using sunscreen includes disrupting the absorption of UVA and UVB rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn and UVA rays "penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of photoaging." Both UVA and UVB rays damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Types
Sunscreen is available in a variety of forms including lotions, creams, gels, sprays, ointments and sticks. All forms of sunscreen are given an SPF rating, which indicates their ability to protect against UVB rays. SPF indicates the multiplying factor for length of time before sunburn develops.
Use
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying "a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater year-round." The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests applying sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure and reapplying every two hours or "immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal."
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days. Both the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation warn that between 40 and 80 percent of the sun's rays can pass through clouds.
Another misconception is that wearing sunscreen will create a vitamin D deficiency. While sunscreen does decrease the amount of vitamin D produced in the body, most individuals still obtain sufficient amounts of vitamin D through their diet. Vitamin D is also available in dietary supplements.
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