Understanding Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, providing protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Understanding SPF, the different types of UV rays, and the differences between mineral and chemical filters can help you make the best choice for your skin.

Understanding UV Radiation

UV light is invisible but contains high-energy rays that can cause significant tissue damage. Here’s how different types of UV rays affect your skin:

• UVC: Completely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and does not reach the skin.
• UVB: Damages the epidermis, leading to sunburn and DNA damage that can contribute to skin cancer.
• UVA: Penetrates deeper into the dermis, breaking down collagen and leading to premature aging. UVA rays also contribute to skin cancer risk.

Both UVA and UVB rays generate free radicals, prompting the skin to produce antioxidants and pigment (melanin) to counteract the damage—but this only happens after the skin has already been harmed.

Understanding SPF

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, particularly against sunburn caused by UVB rays. SPF also indicates the extent to which UVB rays are blocked:

• SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays

The difference in protection is also related to how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you usually start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen, SPF 30 would theoretically allow you to stay outside for 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30), while SPF 50 would extend that time to 500 minutes (10 minutes x 50). However, this is a simplified calculation, and the actual time may vary based on factors such as skin type, sweating, water exposure, and how much sunscreen is applied.

Golden Rules for SPF Application

• Reapply every 2 hours – Sweat, friction, and swimming can reduce its effectiveness.
  
• Use enough product – Most people apply too little! You need 3 to 4 tablespoons for the body of an adult. For the face and neck we always use the golden rule of 2 finger lengths
• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF – SPF only indicates UVB protection, so look for a sunscreen that also has UVA protection.

Mineral vs. Organic UV Filters

Sunscreens protect against UV rays through either mineral (physical) or chemical filters:

• Mineral Filters: Contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays*. These are ideal for sensitive skin, offer broad-spectrum protection.
• Organic UV Filters: Also referred to as chemical filters but we don’t like this term due to the negative connotation. These filters absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They tend to be lighter in texture but may cause irritation in some people.

a part of the UV light  is also absorbed and converted into heat.

Why Sunscreen is Crucial for Skin Health

1. Prevents Sunburn & DNA Damage – UVB rays cause immediate sunburn and long-term genetic mutations, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
2. Reduces Skin Cancer Risk – UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer, making broad-spectrum protection essential.
3. Prevents Premature Aging – UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and leading to wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation.

SUN WEAR 50: Your Ultimate Protection

Our Sun Wear 50 is a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF50 designed to protect, hydrate, and perfect your skin:

• Protect – Shields against UVA, UVB, and HEVL (blue light) with mineral oxides and powerful antioxidants.
• Hydrate – Multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid delivers deep and lasting hydration.
• Perfect – Niacinamide and potent extracts even out skin tone and repair pigmentation damage, giving your skin a natural bronzed glow.

Protect your skin daily and enjoy the benefits of healthier, more radiant skin with Sun Wear 50!