Sunscreen

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Sunscreen

Sunscreen (pronounced: /ˈsʌnskriːn/), also known as sunblock or suntan lotion, is a lotion, spray, gel, foam, stick or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn.

Etymology

The term "sunscreen" is derived from the words "sun", referring to the star at the center of our solar system, and "screen", meaning to shield or protect.

Usage

Sunscreen is used to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and other forms of skin damage caused by the sun's UV rays. It is recommended to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin before going outside, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical.

  • Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays. Some chemicals commonly used in these types of sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
  • Physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

SPF

The effectiveness of sunscreen is measured by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.

Related Terms

  • UVA rays: These are long-wave ultraviolet A rays. They penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer and cause premature skin aging, wrinkling and dark spots.
  • UVB rays: These are short-wave ultraviolet B rays. They burn the superficial layers of the skin and play a key role in the development of skin cancer.
  • Broad spectrum: This term refers to sunscreens that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

External links

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