Sunscreen – Key Ingredients For Sunscreen Protection

Usually sunscreens carry aromatic molecules conjugated with carbonyl groups as their principal ingredients. This general structure is to facilitate absorption of high energy ultraviolet rays and release energy from lower energy rays preventing the ultraviolet rays capable of damaging the skin from reaching it.

Therefore, when you are exposed to UV light, most of the ingredients retain their properties without any significant chemical change of photo degradation to retain the UV absorbing potency. Proper use and application not only help protect skin from exposure, they can help repair sun-damaged skin.

Sunscreens containing avobenzone will contain a chemical stabilizer for slow break down. Certain sunscreens also contain enzymes like photolyase capable of repairing UV damaged DNA

When you are buying sunscreens, it is most likely that you will be looking for the SPF number or the Sun Protection Factor. However, unless the product you are buying is “water resistant” you must reapply sunscreens after sweating or swimming.

More about ingredients

Modes of activity is another important factor that would determine the ingredients in your sunscreen. These are either UV absorbers or UV reflectors or some even have a combined action. UV absorbers physically contain the UV radiation to prevent it from reaching the skin. The active particles become energized in this process to a higher frequency or energetic level to contain the UV radiation.

With this type of sunscreen ingredient, when you come out of the sun, the UV exposure reduces and the energy level of the sunscreen particles drops back to their former frequency, releasing energy again.

Natural sunscreen lotions

Several natural sunscreen lotions have natural base ingredients. These ingredients improve the skin integrity. Presence of Vitamins C and E at effective concentrations in your sunscreen is known to protect against skin cancer and act as antioxidants protecting from free-radical damage. This property will be further enhanced when applied topically because they prevent free radical damage from UV radiation.

Aloe Vera, a plant has been established as a component to prevent DNA damage to the skin as a result of exposure to sun and the use of this ingredient in treating burns of all descriptions is also well known.

UV reflectors

UV reflectors are used to scatter UV light so that it cannot penetrate the skin. This process, normally, is dependent on the physical size of the sunscreen particles. Therefore, when applied, these ingredients are thicker and opaque. UV reflectors are exceptionally effective in blocking UVA radiation. However, the thick application that is necessary, tend to plug the pores of the skin and can potentially produce miliaria as a consequence of blocked sweat glands.

Once you are out of the sun, all sunscreens need to be washed from the skin thoroughly. To repair skin that has sun damage, use skin care products that replenish moisture and are rich in antioxidants. If you begin developing sun spots or age spots, maintain moisture and hydration and use products that help smooth skin tone and reduce discoloration. Your skin will be glad you did!