As we approach the sunny summer months, it is important to remember the importance of sun protection and why it is so heavily emphasised. 

 

There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are longer than UVB rays and therefore are able to penetrate the skin on a deeper level and are associated with causing premature ageing of the skin. However, it is UVB rays which are responsible for sunburn. Upon contact with UV rays, skin cells get disrupted which can affect the appearance of skin in general. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to the appearance of premature ageing in the skin, such as wrinkles, actinic keratosis etc. An excess of sunlight has also been found to affect the elasticity of the skin, which gives it a ‘youthful’ look. 

 

The SPF (sun protection factor) number on sun cream products (such as SPF50) indicates the amount of time the sun’s radiation (UVB rays) would take to damage the skin when using that certain product as opposed to when not. For example, using sunscreen with SPF50 would mean that it would take 50 times longer for your skin to redden than if no sun cream was used. Newer manufactured sun creams account for the damage that can be caused by both UVA and UVB rays, however, older formulas may not. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays. 

 

There are two types of sun cream: physical or mineral sun cream, and chemical sun creams. Physical sunscreens physically block the sun's UV rays and cause them to reflect off the skin. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are also responsible for the ‘white cast’ that some sunscreens may leave on the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert the energy into heat using ingredients such as avobenzone and octinoxate. Due to the white colour that physical sunscreens may leave on the skin as a result of the ingredients, mineral sunscreens are recommended for those with darker complexions. It is recommended that sunscreen is reapplied every two hours. Recreational activities, such as sunbathing, is particularly discouraged due to the negative impact sun can have on skin, but even simply being outdoors during winter exposes the skin to the damaging effect of UV rays. Therefore, sunscreen must be worn everyday in order for the skin to be properly protected. 

 

Sources 

American Cancer Society, 2019. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/uv-radiation.html#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20UV%20rays%20can,to%20become%20inflamed%20or%20burned.

Murad, n.d. Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.murad.co.uk/skin-care-library/mineral-vs-chemical-sunscreen?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3oSPu4_S_gIVF5ftCh0zTwmuEAAYAiAAEgIFNvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Sheraz, A., 2020. Sunscreen explained by a dermatologist. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/blog/sunscreen-explained

Skin Cancer Foundation, 2021. UV Radiation & Your Skin. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/

Skin Cancer Foundation, 2022. All About Sunscreen. [Online] 
Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/