HOW SUNSCREEN WORKS???

                      

Ugghhh god!!! It’s too hot, this summer and this sun..Mom I have grown so dark and I m getting tanned every day I go out and walk under this burning fire. Beta do apply “sunscreen” and then only move out otherwise it would be difficult to find a Bridegroom for you. Ha Ha Ha these Indian moms….am sure you would have also faced it….

With spring in full force and summer just around the corner, we will all doubtlessly be getting more solar rays. But while basking in the warmth, you won’t want to worry about sunburn. As we all have been endlessly reminded from our favorite television shows and perhaps our nagging mothers as in the above conversation, sunscreen are essential for protecting our skin from UV light.

Not only this whether you're lounging on the beach, jetting down a ski slope or hiking up a mountain, when you're outside, you're pummeled by invisible rays that can cause your skin to darken and burn. This radiation ultraviolet or UV can also damage DNA in your skin cells, causing genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer. Fortunately, we can protect against many of the damaging effects of these rays with sunscreen.

Almost all of us apply sunscreens but do we actually know how it really works?

Sunscreens, which are generally sprays, lotions, gels or waxes, are usually made up by a mixture of chemicals both organic and inorganic.  Inorganic chemicals in sunscreen can reflect or scatter the light away from the skin, and organic (carbon-based) ones can absorb UV rays.

Basically the inorganic chemicals present in the sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide act behave as physical screen/sunblock. They reflect back UV rays in the same way like white cloth/white paint reflects light. On the other hand sunscreen also contains organic chemicals like avobenzone or oxybenzone.  But contrary to this organic chemicals absorb UV radiation through their bonds instead of deflecting it. And as the bonds absorb UV radiation the components of sunscreen slowly break down and release heat.

Another factor to consider in sunscreen is the sun protection factor, or SPF.  Which is commonly misconceived as the strength of protection? However, it actually refers to how much longer it takes for UVB rays to redden the skin with sunscreen compared to without sunscreen. For example, an SPF of 15 means it will take 15 times longer for skin to burn while using the product compared to without the product.

Therefore, look for a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 15 or higher so that you can better enjoy fun in the sun.


Anushri Joshi
Delhi University