FAQ About Sunscreen

UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet rays that come from the sun and can cause damage to the skin:

UVA Rays:

• UVA rays have a longer wavelength and can penetrate deeper into the skin compared to UVB rays.
• They are present throughout the day, all year round, and can even penetrate through clouds and glass.
• UVA rays are associated with long-term skin damage, such as premature aging, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.
• UVA exposure is a significant contributor to photoaging (aging caused by sun exposure) and can lead to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.

UVB Rays:

• UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are responsible for causing sunburn.
• They are more intense during peak sun hours (usually between 10 am and 4 pm) and are stronger in the summer months.
• UVB rays are the primary cause of immediate skin damage, such as sunburn and tanning.
• Prolonged and repeated exposure to UVB rays can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including non-melanoma types like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Sunscreen can protect against both UVA and UVB rays when it is labeled as "broad-spectrum." Broad-spectrum sunscreens contain active ingredients that offer protection against both types of UV radiation. The packaging will often indicate if the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection.

• UVA Protection: Sunscreens with active ingredients like avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide are effective at blocking UVA rays. These ingredients work by absorbing and reflecting UVA radiation away from the skin.
• UVB Protection: UVB protection is typically provided by ingredients such as octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene, or other chemical UVB filters. They work by absorbing UVB rays and converting them into less harmful energy.