Sunscreen is defined as a product that protects the skin from the damaging effects of solar UV radiation by containing active ingredients that absorb, reflect, or scatter UV radiation, thereby preventing it from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
Sunscreens should offer broad UV protection to include UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (290–320 nm) and are integral in preventing UV.
Sunscreens are generally divided into two classes:
1.Chemical—organic
2. Physical—inorganic.
Chemical sunscreens (eg, benzophenone, homosalate, methylanthranilate, octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, avobenzone) work by converting UVB radiation into heat, whereas physical sunscreens (eg, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, kaolin, ichthammol, iron oxide) scatter, reflect and absorb solar radiation across a broad spectrum in the UV and visible ranges. In addition to their greater chemical stability, physical sunscreens have the added benefit of a minimal risk of contact sensitivity, an important consideration for delicate eyelid skin.
An effective sunscreen protects against both UV-A and UV-B by creating chemical and physical barriers on the skin.
The American Dermatological Association recommends using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to block 97% of rays. High-SPF sunscreen has greater strength; however, it lasts the same amount of time as low-SPF sunscreen and should be reapplied every 2 hours.
Sun care products come in the following forms: Creams, gels, lotions, oils and sprays