Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide

Use sunscreen to protect against UV rays.

Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, age spots, dilated blood vessels, premature aging and skin cancer. Using sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin. Sunscreen with zinc oxide is effective in blocking the sun's harmful UV rays.

UV Rays

According to Mayo clinic, the sun's energy is divided into three wavelength bands: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC). Only UVA and UVB rays can reach the earth; they are responsible for causing skin damage.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun's rays when applied to the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound that offers UV protection. It is often included in sunscreen to offer a protective barrier against the harmful effects of UV rays. It works by absorbing UV rays into the sunscreen material and preventing the harmful rays from damaging the skin cell's DNA.

Properties

According to Dr. Doris J. Day, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center, zinc oxide is also mildly antibacterial, has wound healing properties and is noncomedogenic, making it an effective sunscreen.

Caution

Although sunscreen protects against UV damage, it does not offer complete protection. In addition to using sunscreen, wear protective clothing and sunglasses. The University of Maryland Medical Center also advises limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when sunlight produces 80 percent of its UV radiation.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Sunscreen
• American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen
• New York Times: What To Look For In A Sunscreen