Sunscreens and skin protective clothing are the first line of protection against damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The following is a brief guide to sunscreens. By becoming familiar with the language of sunscreens, consumers can make reasonable choices for themselves and their families. Agents applied to the skin that either reflect, absorb, or scatter ultraviolet radiation or light are termed sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb radiation in the top layer of the epidermis protecting the underlying layers.
Physical sunscreens reflect, absorb, or scatter both ultraviolet and visible light.
They are composed of particulate materials and often are visible when applied to the skin. Ultraviolet light is divided into two commonly encountered wavelength bands. UV-B is the most severe during the hours around noontime. UV-B is the most responsible for sunburning and skin cancer development. It is responsible for aging of the skin as seen in wrinkling and blotchy pigmentation, contributes to skin cancers, and causes a variety of sun related rashes.