Sunscreen is essential for everyone to protect their skin from damaging UV rays. UV rays can damage our skin, which can cause skin cancer and premature aging.
Currently, there are two types of sunscreen that are available on the market. The primary difference between these two types is the specific way in which they work and the materials that are used. Check your skin condition to determine the appropriate sunscreen type.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a product that protects the skin from the sun's UV rays. Regular use of sunscreen can help preserve the skin's protective barrier, lower the risk of skin cancer, prevent premature aging, and prevent other skin disorders caused by UV exposure.
Sunscreen protects the skin by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, preventing them from penetrating and damaging the skin's cells. Thus, symptoms of early aging, including brown spots, fine lines, and skin wrinkles, can be avoided.
Sunscreen usually contains active ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, or a combination of other ingredients that are safe and can protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Every day, especially if you're going to be outside in the sun, whether it's hot or cloudy, you should apply sunscreen.
Types of sunscreen
SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor." The SPF number tells you how effectively sunscreen blocks UVB rays. If you use sunscreen with a high SPF, you can protect your skin from dangerous sunlight very effectively.
According to their components and mechanisms of action, there are two categories of sunscreen, namely:
Physical/mineral sunscreen
This sunscreen functions by forming a physical barrier on the skin's surface, which shields it from the sun's rays. Physical sunscreens often consist of chemicals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are considered safe for use as sunscreen agents. These chemicals function by deflecting UV radiation before reaching the skin's surface. Furthermore, sunscreens that have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Chemical sunscreen
It functions differently than physical sunscreen. This form of sunscreen contains carbon molecules, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, that absorb ultraviolet light before it reaches the skin. This procedure serves to protect skin cells from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.
Chemical sunscreens often have a lighter consistency and do not leave a visible white residue on the skin. Nevertheless, some people may experience skin reactions, particularly those with sensitive skin types, due to the chemicals present in chemical sunscreens.
Choosing the appropriate sunscreen is dependent on various aspects, including skin type, existing skin conditions, and individual choice. Before choosing a sunscreen, it is recommended to seek guidance from a medical professional or dermatologist if you have skin problems or allergies to specific chemicals.
If you want to choose sunscreen, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Yes, You Should Wear Sunscreen Every Day. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-you-should-wear-sunscreen-every-day
John Hopkins Medicine. Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine
American Academy of Dermatology Association (2023). Sunscreen FAQS. Available from: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
Jessica Timmons (2022). What’s the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreen
Chemical Safety Facts.org (2023). Sunscreen: Chemical Ingredients and Summertime Safety. Available from: https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/health-and-safety/sunscreen-chemical-ingredients-and-summertime-safety
Comisian Europea. Zinc oxide (nano form). Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/zinc-oxide/es/l-2/6.htm
Chemical Safety Facts.org (2023). Titanium Dioxide. Available from: https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/titanium-dioxide/
Logan Smith (2022). How to Find Sunscreens Without a White Cast. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/how-to-find-sunscreens-without-a-white-cast
