SUNSCREEN 101
DID YOU KNOW?
There are TWO TYPES of harmful sun rays
UVA rays are associated with signs of skin aging
and skin cancers such as melanoma
UVB rays cause sunburns and some skin
cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma
There are TWO TYPES of sunscreen
They’re very different from each other, so it’s
important to know which one you are putting
on your skin.
Mineral Sunscreens use physical barriers (zinc
oxide and/or titanium dioxide) to prevent UV
rays from penetrating the skin. They offer
immediate protection from the moment you
apply them.
Chemical Sunscreens use chemicals (like
avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, etc) to
absorb UV rays and convert them into heat
which is then released from the skin, preventing
the rays from penetrating deeper layers of the
skin and causing damage. These sunscreens DO
NOT offer immediate protection and must be
applied approximately 20 minutes prior to sun
exposure so the ingredients can activate.
*Please note: recent studies suggest avoiding
chemical sunscreens that contain oxybenzone
because that chemical has been shown to
disrupt the hormone system and is harmful to
coral reefs.
WHAT DOES SPF MEAN?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the measurement
of protection against UVB rays only. To be sure
you are protected from BOTH types of rays,
choose a sunscreen that says it’s Broad-
Spectrum.
Photo Credit Allen Zaki
Photo Credit Allen Zaki
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