Sunscreen is a topical product in the form of lotion, cream, spray, foam or gel formulation that protects the skin from sun's ultraviolet radiations. The active ingredients present in the sunscreen provides protection from sun rays and pollution. This topical product is a part of the daily skincare routine one should ideally follow.
Sunscreen is a topical formulation which contains several active ingredients that creates a barrier for the UV radiation to penetrate through the upper layer of the skin. All the active ingredients in sunscreen are actually inorganic compounds, which are formed by chemical bonding between entities. Therefore, they are known as 'UV organic filters'. There are two types of sunscreen differentiated based on their type of active ingredients:
Chemical Sunscreen - This sunscreen product has chemical ingredients that provide protection against sun rays. The active ingredients such as octisalate and avobenzone are chemically synthesized for protecting skin against sun damage.
Physical Sunscreen - This type of sunscreen contains active ingredients that are obtained from nature and then synthesized for different formulations, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They provide protection by scattering the incident rays and serves as a barrier for the skin to prevent penetration by UV radiation.
SPF in Sunscreen - SPF means sun protection factor. The dermatologically recommended sunscreen formulations contain SPF from 15 to 50. In some countries, people do need SPF 50-75 also. This number is Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which denotes the length of time Sun's UV-b rays will take to penetrate the skin. It is advisable to apply sunscreen of SPF 15 to 30 when staying indoors, and for prolonged outdoor exposure to sun rays, SPF 30 to 50 is advisable.
PA+++ in Sunscreen - As SPF denotes the protection against UV-b rays, PA+++ indicates the level of protection against UV-a rays. PA stands for Protection Grade for UV rays which are similar to the measurement of SPF for UV-b rays. This is required in sunscreen for the people who are exposed to sun rays for a maximum amount of time and are photosensitive to UV radiation.
Sunscreen not only protects the skin from harmful UV and UV radiation of sun rays but also protect the skin from harmful pollutants present in the environment. It is advisable to wear sunscreen every morning even if the person is not stepping out of the house. While working in the kitchen or near instrument with higher temperature, sunscreen should be applied for skin protection. Ultraviolet radiation of sun rays is the main cause of skin cancer, and sunscreen is a good preventive way to protect the skin from environmental exposure.
Over the past few years, the Ozone Layer has been depleted, and more amount of ultraviolet irradiation penetrates the earth atmosphere to reach the surface of the earth. Sun Protection Factor and PA+++ are effective in protecting the skin from UV-a and UV-b radiation. These radiations are harmful to skin health and often causes skin cancer. Every person should apply sunscreen each morning to protect the skin in against ageing and discolouration. Here are some reasons why it is important to apply sunscreen and make a daily habit:
Sunscreen should be selected as per the skin type - oily, dry, normal or sensitive. An ideal sunscreen of SPF 30-50 with PA+++ protection is needed to protect the skin for the entire day. Sunscreen should be reapplied after a few hours or as per requirement.