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By: Angelina W. and Ciana M.
Summer break, beautiful beaches, and the scorching sun are among the first things that come to mind when we mention SUMMER!
However, we often seem to forget the most essential thing of summer: sunscreens!
Sunscreens are an important part of summer because they can protect our skin from the sun.
The main reason why people use sunscreen is to protect themselves from UV radiation. Our sun emits different kinds of energy to us: there is infrared radiation that we cannot physically see, which is the heat; the visible light from the sun, which is sunlight that we can see; and UV radiation, which cannot be seen or felt by us. Sunscreen helps protect our skin from UV radiation and not from heat!
What is UV radiation?
There are two main types of UV radiation and both are very harmful to us. The first type of UV radiation is UVA. UVA rays can reach into the deeper layers of the skin, called the dermis. UVA rays can cause major damage to the DNA, which contributes to the development of skin cancer. A common sign of being exposed to UVA rays for too long is tanned and wrinkled skin. The other type of UV radiation is UVB. UVB light can cause harm to the DNA of the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. Sunburn can also be caused by the UVB light.
Approximately, 90% of the UV rays that reach the earth are UVA while 10% are UVB.
Why should we be afraid of UV radiation?
A common risk of UVA and UVB is skin cancer. Being exposed to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. Some parts of the damaged DNA in your skin cannot repair itself and the unrepaired DNA damage will accumulate over time and eventually trigger the skin cells to uncontrollably multiply by itself. This will lead to various types of skin cancer.
How should we protect our skin?
The easiest way to reduce the risk of skin cancer is to simply be aware of what the UV index is. UV index is the measurement of the strength of UV radiation. When the UV index is 3 or higher, it is strongly advised to put sunscreen on. A UV index of 3 or higher can cause serious harm and damage to your skin. Another way to protect your skin is to use sunscreen at all times.
Sunscreen contains two types of ingredients: the physical blocker and the chemical absorbers. The physical blockers are in charge of reflecting the UV rays away from your skin. This is caused by the fine particles of minerals, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide, that sit on your skin and help reflect the UV rays away. Sunscreens with physical blockers are often called “sunblock” or “mineral sunscreen”. The chemical filter creates a thin protective layer on your skin that absorbs the UV rays before it goes inside your skin. Sunscreen with chemical absorbers is often called “organic sunscreen”.
Here are 4 sunscreens that we recommend if you want to find the perfect sunscreen to use this summer to protect your skin!
There are two different types of sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen creates a physical barrier, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays with zinc oxide. Chemical sunscreen absorbs the UV rays and releases them as heat whilst protecting the skin. The main ingredients used in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone and octinoxate.
La Roche Posay tinted mineral sunscreen
La Roche Posay tinted mineral sunscreen ($$) - This mineral sunscreen is highly reviewed and loved by many. Its tinted nature provides coverage that serves as a good alternative for foundation. It is good for acne-prone skin as it is very gentle and is not too oily or greasy.
Cerave-tinted mineral sunscreen
Cerave-tinted mineral sunscreen ($) - This sunscreen is similar to the La Roche Posay sunscreen in that it is also a mineral sunscreen and is tinted. Mineral sunscreens have a thicker consistency but offer optimal protection for the skin. Tinted sunscreens are great for anyone struggling with hyperpigmentation and because this can be an oilier sunscreen, it would be ideal for drier skin type.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Hold Cream spf 50
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Hold Cream spf 50 ($)- While Biore’s old version was lightweight on the skin and offered ample protection, there was the issue of the alcohol in the sunscreen that often irritates either the skin or the eyes. However, Biore has recently released an alcohol-free version that leaves all the good parts of the sunscreen while leaving out many of the irritants including alcohol and chemical filters
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing sunscreen spf 50
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing sunscreen spf 50+($$) - This popular Korean chemical sunscreen is well known for its lack of white cast as well as its soothing ingredients. It seeps into the skin very well and leaves a glowy finish. This sunscreen is especially good for acne-prone skin as it is extremely lightweight while still offering UV protection.
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Works Cited
Boerner, Leigh Krietsch. “What’s in Sunscreen, and How Does It Protect Your Skin from the Sun’s Rays?” Chemical & Engineering News, American Chemical Society, 15 June 2022, cen.acs.org/business/consumer-products/What-in-sunscreen-and-how-does-it-protect-your-skin-from-the-sun-rays/99/i27. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
“What Is UV Radiation?” Cancer Council NSW, 21 June 2021, www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/understanding-uv-radiation/what-is-uv-radiation/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
“UV Radiation.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/#:~:text=Damage%20from%20UV%20exposure%20is.
“UV Index Description.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, 24 Oct. 2023, www.epa.gov/enviro/uv-index-description. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
Van, Gina Thomme and Kellie Bramlet Blackburn. “How Does Sunscreen Work? Understanding UV Protection.” MD Anderson Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 18 June 2024, www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/how-does-sunscreen-work.h00-159698334.html#:~:text=Chemical%20sunscreen%20ingredients%20form%20a. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
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