Sunscreen Ingredients: Why You Should Know Them

We all know that the sun's rays are as good as they are bad for us. On the one hand, they stimulate the production of vitamin D. On the other hand, they cause premature aging of the skin and are a risk factor for the appearance of skin cancer. That's why sunscreen is an essential tool in our skin care arsenal. But do you know exactly what goes into your sunscreen or oil? Today we're going to explain in a little more detail why knowing the ingredients in your sunscreen is critical and how it can help you make informed choices about the products you use.

What you need to know about UV rays?

As you probably know, the sun emits several different types of ultraviolet rays called UVA and UVB. They have different wavelengths and correspondingly different effects on the skin. The former penetrate deeply and could damage the cells and contribute to the appearance of spots. It is important to know that both clouds and glass do not protect against UVA radiation. UVB, on the other hand, has a more superficial effect, being responsible for sunburns. Both types of rays are a risk factor for skin cancer. That's why it's important to be protected from the entire UV spectrum - not only in summer, but also in winter.

Mineral or chemical blockers?

There are two main groups of substances that protect against solar radiation: mineral and chemical blockers. Until recently, it was thought that unlike chemical blockers, which absorb UV rays and turn them into heat, physical ones work by reflecting harmful radiation. However, research from 2016 found that mineral filters actually only reflect 1-3% of radiation, absorbing the remaining 97-99% and turning it into heat - just like their chemical equivalents.

The inorganic filters used today are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are considered suitable for sensitive skin as they do not cause irritation. However, their huge disadvantage is the fact that these substances make the formula thicker and difficult to spread. Most mineral sunscreens also leave an unpleasant white residue on the skin. There are attempts to prevent this problem by using nanoparticles of the relevant chemical compounds. The concern with this approach is that these tiny particles could penetrate the skin instead of remaining on its surface and protecting it, but research is still lacking to prove whether this is true or not.

When it comes to chemical sun protection, the choice of active ingredients is significantly greater. The cosmetic industry today uses a huge variety of substances. Some of the more popular ones include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, homosalate, and more. Each of them has different chemical, physical properties, which in combination provide the necessary protection from the sun.

Efficiency

As already mentioned, each sunscreen - whether it blocks radiation physically or chemically - has different properties and effectiveness. For example, oxynoxate is effective in blocking UVB rays. Avobenzone, on the other hand, acts excellently against UVA radiation, with the greatest effectiveness in the UVA I zone. Thus, in combination, these two substances provide broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet rays. It is important to know that not all products on the market protect against the entire spectrum of UV radiation. Knowing the properties of the active products, however, you can judge for yourself whether the sunscreen you are considering is effective enough for your needs.

Durability

Another important reason why it is good to be aware of the properties of the active ingredients is that often the filters are not photostable. This means that when exposed to sunlight, they quickly degrade. For example, despite the excellent properties of avobenzone, its effectiveness decreases by as much as 36% after only an hour in the sun. The combination of excellent blockers and stabilizing agents, such as octocrylene or octinoxate, make the protection longer lasting. Regardless, it's important to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours to give your skin excellent protection throughout the day.

Sensitivity to ingredients

Knowing the ingredients in a sunscreen is also crucial for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Some chemical filters, such as oxybenzone or PABA, are known to cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. By understanding the ingredients in your sunscreen, you can avoid potential skin irritants and choose a formula that's right for your specific needs.

Impact on the environment

Certain sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, have been found to be harmful to coral reefs and marine life when washed off during swimming or water activities. By choosing eco lotions designed to protect both your skin and nature, you can contribute to the protection of fragile marine ecosystems.

In conclusion, knowing the ingredients of your sunscreen is vital to ensure that it provides effective protection against harmful UV rays, minimizing the risk of sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. By understanding the different types of filters and their potential advantages and disadvantages, you can make an informed choice about the sunscreen you use and ensure it meets your specific needs. So take a moment to check the label and familiarize yourself with the ingredients of your sunscreen product - your skin and the environment will thank you!