Sunscreen is a chemical product applied to the skin to help protect your skin from overexposure to the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology reports the high association between sunburns, high sun exposure and the increased risk of developing melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and accounts for 5 percent of all skin cancers but the larger portion of skin cancer deaths.
Ultraviolet Rays
Sunlight consists of two different types of harmful rays. Ultraviolet A and B rays are emitted from the sun and can cause damage to your skin. UVA rays can pass through glass and penetrate to the deepest layers of your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. UVA will interfere with your immune system and is the leading cause of premature aging. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn but are blocked by window glass. This means that while you will not get a sunburn sitting next to your office window all day, you will absorb UVA rays, increasing your potential for premature aging and skin cancer.
Sunscreen Functions
There are two types of sunscreen protection. Chemical sunscreens protect you from the sun by absorbing the harmful rays, according to MayoClinic.com. This is different from physical sunscreen barriers which work by reflecting, scattering or blocking the rays from your skin. However, most sunscreen agents will have more than one ingredient to help protect you from both UVA and UVB. The sun protection factor, or SPF, measurement of a product only measures protection from UVB light. In essence, a high SPF product allows you to stay in the sun longer without burning while still absorbing UVA rays which damage skin cells and can lead to skin cancer.
Physical Sun Block
Zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen option that turns your skin white as it is applied and before it is absorbed. Dr. Elizabeth Hale, clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine, writes that zinc oxide has several advantages over chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreen will tend to work immediately, rather than only after they are absorbed by the skin. The higher the concentration of the physical blocking agent, or zinc oxide, the more effective the sunscreen. The University of California School of Medicine recommends zinc oxide physical block sunscreen for individuals who have sensitive skin, may be allergic to chemical sunscreen and for children.
Coverage
Zinc oxide also protects against both UVA and UVB rays, effectively protecting your skin from both sources of skin cancer and premature aging from the sun, according to Dr. Hale. Many of the chemical sunscreens do not protect against the full spectrum of UV light and the SPF measurement is only an indication of protection against UVB. Zinc oxide is gentle on the skin and a perfect protection for those who are concerned about chemical ingredients in chemical sunscreens. Your sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially when you are getting wet at the pool.
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