Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can have harmful effects on the skin, ranging from sunburn to an increased risk of skin cancer. This is where sun care products, such as sun creams, come into play.
To be officially recognised as a sunscreen product, sunscreen must protect against UVA & UVB, the types of UV radiation from the sun that is dangerous to the skin.
These products work through two key mechanisms of action: scattering and absorbing. In this article, we will delve into the science behind these mechanisms and explore some of the products offered by Surfachem that can be used in SPF (Sun Protection Factor) products.
Scattering: The First Line of Defence
Scattering is one of the primary mechanisms by which sun care products protect the skin from harmful UV radiation. It involves reflecting or scattering UV rays away from the skin's surface. This is achieved through the use of physical sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that act like tiny mirrors reflecting the sun’s rays.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are highly effective in scattering both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, making them versatile choices for broad-spectrum sun protection.
Absorbing: Deeper Protection
While scattering provides an initial line of defence, absorbing UV radiation is another crucial mechanism in sun care products. Chemical sunscreens, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into less harmful forms of energy, such as heat.
Each chemical sunscreen ingredient has its unique properties and UV absorption spectrum, making it essential to formulate products that offer broad-spectrum protection.
