Sun screen, is also known by other names for example, sun cream etc it comes in various forms such as lotion, gel, spray etc these products absorbs or reflects the harmful radiation emanating from the sun these include (UV) radiation. Some skin tone lighteners have sunscreen built into them to protect the skin. This is because lighter skin types are at a greater risk of exposure to the sun's rays than the darker skin types.
To achieve this, skin care products have the following ingredients: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Some skin treatment contain either of the two but some contain both of the ingredients. They are the inorganic particles that help reflect the sun's rays away from the skin. Sunscreens also contain other organic materials that help to absorb the UV rays.
The first sunscreen is believed to have been developed by Franz Greiter circa 1938. It was known as the Glacier Cream.
The sun protection factor (SPF) of a sunscreen is a scientific method applied to measure the strength and essentially the basic effectiveness of a given sunscreen. A sunscreen lotion with a higher SPF, means that it offers more protection from harmful UVB rays than say a sunscreen with lesser SPF. UV B rays are the UV rays that cause sunburn.
Sunblock is used mainly to refer to an opaque type of sunscreen that is very effective at preventing both types of harmful UV rays (UVA and UVB) from penetrating the skin. This type of sunscreen uses a heavier carrier or oil base to water proof in order to prevent being washed off willingly or by rain etc. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the two most popular and important ingredients in making these types of sunblock. They are preferred because they do not degrade with exposure to sunlight like many other organic ingredients.
Like other chemicals used by humans, there is a proper way to use sun care products. Sunscreens should always be applied to dry skin 30 minutes or so before one ventures outdoors. It should be well applied to all the exposed areas of the skin especially face, and arms.
Because there are many different types of sun care products, selecting the right one is important. The different forms include creams, ointments, lotions, gels, sprays etc. Creams work best for people with dry skin, gels are especially useful in hairy areas, such as the head or masculine chest. Creams typically yield a thicker application than lotions and are best for the face. There are skin care products made for specific purposes, e.g sensitive skin or for use on infants.
Sunscreens should be water proof to a certain degree, so they cannot be removed by sweating or water, and should probably have an sun protection factor of at-least 30 to provide cover against both UVA and UVB rays.
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