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What Is Sunscreen And Why Sunscreen Is Important

picture What Is Sunscreen And Why Sunscreen Is Important
Why sunscreen is important

Do you often hear that using sunscreen is fundamental to having a healthy and youthful skin face? Is that true? But why many people thought sunscreen is only needed if you want to go to the beach? 

Even if you are indoors, you still need to wear sunscreen. Read the explanation of why you need to wear sunscreen indoors here.

Well, in the previous year, the education about sunscreen is less massive than nowadays. Therefore, the information about sunscreen is less than today.

What Is Sunscreen And Its Benefits

But be honest, have you ever asked how important is sunscreen for your facial skin? Also, how many types of sunscreen do you wish to learn? So, please continue reading the article below to learn about sunscreen.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a skin care product that protects the skin from sun exposure, especially from the effects of UV rays that can damage the skin.
 
According to the textures, there are a few types of sunscreen, ranging from cream, lotion, powder, sprays, sticks, and gels.

  • Sunscreen cream

This type of sunscreen is designated for those who have dry skin. Sunscreen creams generally have a thicker texture compared to other types of sunscreen. They are rich in moisturizer and will help your skin to stay hydrated and moist for a longer time.

  • Sunscreen lotion

This type of sunscreen is lighter compared to sunscreen cream. Sunscreen lotion is easy to spread because the texture is between liquid and creamy, but it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy. This type of sunscreen can be used by all skin types.

  • Sunscreen powder

Sunscreen powder has lingered around for quite some time, but many still need to familiarize themselves with this type of sunscreen. 

Sunscreen powder is smooth, like face powder. The ingredients of this sunscreen powder contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Sunscreen powder is best for retouch or reapplying sunscreen.

  • Sunscreen spray

If you have sensitive skin, sunscreen spray will be one of the great options to use. Sunscreen spray is a liquid sunscreen.

You only need to spray it on your face if you want to use it. Sunscreen spray also can be used on top of the makeup. 

This type of sunscreen is practical and more hygienic because you don't need to use your finger to touch it. You can find this type of sunscreen in many drugstores.

  • Sunscreen stick

Another practical sunscreen you can use is a sunscreen stick. It is suitable for people who have normal skin types. 

It is easy to use; you only need to smear the stick over your face. It is also easy to carry around in your bag.

  • Sunscreen gel

Sunscreen gel is best to use for those who have oily skin. Sunscreen gel won't clog your pores; generally, it is made with water-based content. 

This type of sunscreen will also be lighter and won't leave a sticky and greasy feeling on your skin. It is also easy to absorb into the skin.

What Is Sunscreen SPF

Sunscreen SPF means measuring the times needed by UVB rays to cause burning effects to the skin. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF value, the more extended protection can be provided.

For example, you go sunbathing, and if you don't use your sunscreen, in 15 minutes, you will experience burning red skin due to sun exposure. 

But if you use sunscreen with SPF 20, the burning will get delayed 20 times longer. So you will start experiencing burning and red skin after 5 hours.

However, using SPF 20 doesn't always guarantee your skin is free from burned skin, but another factor will also play a part in causing burning skin. This is because the intensity of UV exposure is affected by many factors.

Few types of SPF often be used in skin care products or in other sunscreens,

  1. SPF 100 -  It blocks 99% of UVB rays
  2. SPF 50 -  It blocks 98% of UVB rays
  3. SPF 30 -  It blocks 97% of UVB rays
  4. SPF 15 -  It blocks 93% of UVB rays

Why Sunscreen Is Important

Using sunscreen at home every day is just as important as using sunscreen when you want to enjoy sunbathing on the beach, but what is the reason?

The warm rays emitted by the sun have many benefits for life, including promoting vitamin D production in the human body and supporting the process of photosynthesis in plants. 

However, did you know that warm rays also emit UV radiation harmful to the skin?

Tropical country mostly has a high UV index that can increase the dangerous risk, which is very harmful to the skin. Due to these facts, using sunscreen daily (even indoors) is so important.

Another research shows that UV rays cause 80% of premature aging of the skin. Therefore, sunscreen is the foundation for clear, healthy, youthful skin! 

Type of UV Rays

UV rays or radiation emitted by the sun are divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. According to research, these three types of UV rays have different effects on the skin.

  • UVA rays

Among the three types of UV rays, UVA rays have around 315-400 nm, the longest wavelength. The long wavelength of UVA rays makes this type of UV able to penetrate the ozone layer, clouds, to the sidelines of the doors and windows in the house. Therefore, 95% of incoming UV rays are UVA rays.

UVA rays have long-term effects on the skin and will increase the risk of premature aging, the loss of skin elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

  • ​UVB rays

UVB rays with a length of 280-315 nm have the second wavelength after UVA. UVB rays' wavelength is shorter than UVA, and the rays cannot trespass the glass window, but UVB rays still harm the skin. 

The harmful form of this type of ray is sunburn and darkening, triggering inflammation that causes acne and increased skin sensitivity.

  • UVC rays

This last type of UV light has around 180-280 nm, the shortest wavelength. Because it has a short wavelength of light, UVC rays are considered unable to penetrate the earth's ozone layer, so they cannot harm our skin.

Choosing the correct type of sunscreen with solid UV protection is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But how many types of sunscreen are out there, and we need to know?

The differences between Physical Sunscreen, Chemical Sunscreen, and Hybrid Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, and three types of sunscreen are made of different ingredients and characteristics. The three types are chemical sunscreen, physical sunscreen, and hybrid sunscreen.

  • Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreens are also often known as mineral sunscreens or sunblocks. Physical sunscreens contain minerals such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide that work to protect the skin from sun rays. 

In addition, physical sunscreens work to reflect UV rays that point the skin into the air so that the skin gets complete protection from the harmful effects of UV.

Physical sunscreens give more UV protection than other types of sunscreens. However, the drawback of a physical sunscreen is its thick texture and not easily absorbed by the skin. Due to this form, physical sunscreen will leave your skin feeling heavy and oily.

  • Chemical Sunscreen

Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreen is a sunscreen that is composed based on chemical compounds as the main ingredients. Chemical compounds such as  Oxybenzone and Aminobenzoic Acid will protect the skin from harmful UV rays.  

Chemical sunscreens protect the skin by creating a particular layer and filtering UV rays. They prevent UV Rays from penetrating deep into the dermis or the deepest layer of the skin.

Usually, chemical sunscreens have characteristics such as a light texture and are easy to absorb by the skin. Therefore, this sunscreen is very comfortable to use.

However, the downside of this sunscreen is it can clog your pores and cause comedogenic. In addition, it will trigger acne and is less optimal in protecting your skin from UV rays.

  • Hybrid Sunscreen

The latest innovation in the sunscreen industry is Hybrid sunscreen. This type of sunscreen is a combination ingredient of physical and chemical sunscreen. 

The aim of mixing both chemical and biological sunscreens is to provide maximum UV protection. A hybrid sunscreen is a combination benefit from both chemical and physical sunscreens. 

Starting from its light texture and easily absorbed by the skin, non-comedogenic but offers complete UV protection all day long.

Now you understand what sunscreen is, the importance of sunscreen for the skin, and the types of sunscreens available to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

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