Skin is our body’s largest organ that plays an important role in providing a passive physical barrier against outside invasions, body thermal regulating, and performing sensations. Therefore, it is important to keep all the harm away from this important organ. Sunscreen is made up of a variety of ingredients that shield our skin from damaging UV rays, so it’s important to understand how sunscreen protects us. When you’re out in the sun and enjoying time outside, skin is exposed to direct sunlight—the very stuff that makes you look tan! This situation leaves delicate epidermis exposed to large amounts of UVB radiation, which can lead to premature aging, rough skin texture, and damage to your DNA and proteins that can promote cancer cell growth.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreen can come in a variety of forms, including sprays, liquids, lotions, powders, and creams. There are two main types of sunblocks available: chemical and physical. The main difference between the two is that chemical sunblocks produce UVB rays that your skin naturally presents as protection against the sun’s rays while physical sunblocks either block ultraviolet radiation (UVA) or both UVA and UVB rays. The amount of protection in each product depends on how well it’s made.
How Does Physical Sunscreen Work?
The inorganic physical UV filters in physical sunscreen, also known as "mineral" sunscreen, reflect, scatter, and block the sun's rays before they reach the skin. These physical blockers, often referred to as active minerals, are made to rest on top of the epidermis rather than be absorbed by the skin.
Common Physical UV Filters
- Titanium Dioxide: a useful addition to cosmetic products, as it remains stable even when exposed to UV radiation and doesn’t degrade in the sun.
- Zinc Oxide: this physical blocker scatters and reflects UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the outer layer of the skin.
How Does Chemical Sunscreen Work?
Chemical sunscreens work differently; they contain organic (carbon-based) active components that instantly absorb UV rays when they come into contact. Chemical sunscreens include organic substances that, when exposed to sunlight, accelerate a chemical process that converts UV radiation into heat that is subsequently expelled from the skin. Chemical UV filters frequently only offer protection from one of the two types of UV radiation whereas physical UV filters block both.
Common Chemical UV Filters
- Avobenzone: most commonly used UVA chemical filter found in chemical sunscreens. This ingredient is unstable, meaning it quickly degrades in sunlight.
- Octinoxate: an endocrine disruptor that can affect thyroid function.
- Octisalate: a chemical that helps absorb UVB rays (but not UVA rays).
- Oxybenzone: This chemical UV filter absorbs UVB and UVA rays
- Octocrylene: This chemical UV filter can absorb both UVB and UVA rays.
Introducing a new UV filter - Tinosorb S
While both physical and chemical sunscreens can be effective in blocking the sun’s UV rays, scientists believe they still have some significant drawbacks. Sunblocks that contain numerous chemical ingredients can cause skin irritation and redness. Meanwhile, physical sunscreens usually leave an unnatural white cast and are unstable on the skin. Therefore, the new UV filter, Tinosorb S is an excellent alternative. Tinosorb S offers highly effective, organic oil-based broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Besides excellent performance as a photo-stable broad-spectrum UV filter, it is compatible with organic and inorganic filters, meets high safety requirements, and is oil soluble for high water resistance. Tinosorb S can help you meet the most stringent UV protection requirements around the world.
How long does sunscreen last?
Understanding the ratings of your sunscreen can help you decide how long it will continue to shield your skin from UV rays. SPF, short for Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement of how well and how long your sunscreen will shield your skin from UVB rays from the sun. In contrast to PA ratings, which are used to gauge a product's UVA radiation protection level, SPF is used to gauge how well and how long it will shield your skin from UVB rays from the sun.
This chart compares the effects of SPF15, SPF30, and no sunscreen. Without sunscreen, 100 photons of radiation can reach your skin in this scenario. Only 7 of those photons would be able to reach your skin if you are using SPF15 sunscreen, which gives 93 percent protection from the sun's rays. Using SPF30 sunscreen, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's rays, enhances that protection because just three photons would otherwise reach your skin.
Okame Brightening UV Shield Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Protection
This sunscreen is gentle enough to be used as your day cream, but long-lasting enough to protect your skin from the sun all day. The product contains 5 chemical and physical UV filters that offer you absolute protection, effective within 10-12 hours, highlighting:
✔ Tinosorb S
✔ Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
✔ Octinoxate & Octocrylene
Lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, the subtle, pink-beige color is designed to give a natural glow effect for a brighter and healthier look. You'll notice it immediately--your skin will be smoother and firmer after just one use. The product is formulated without Dimethicone, Paraben, Fragrance, and Mineral Oils that are irritation-free for all skin types, even those that are under treatments.
With just one application, you are immediately well-prepared for having any fun under the sun today!