Sun Damage

Ultra violet C (100-290 nm)

UVC are the most carcinogenic. The ozone layer of the atmosphere screens out virtually all UVC from reaching us. It may become a problem for those living at high attitude, and with depletion of ozone layer through pollution, may become a real problem.

Ultra violet B (290-320 nm)

UVB is responsible for most of the redness and tanning associated with sun exposure. It primary damages epidermis.


Ultra violet A (230-400 nm)

UVA is responsible for fine wrinkles, dryness uneven pigmentation, inflammation, and photo aging cancer. Even low dose of UVA can reach to the dermis, resulting in loss of elastic. Unlike UVB, it easily penetrates window glass. Interestingly, the amount of UVA reaching the earth retains the same energy level every day of the year, morning, noon and afternoon.

Visible light (400-760 nm)

There have been a few published reports, regarding the research concerning photo damage caused by visible light. But this lower energy has the ability to penetrate the skin deeper than UVA, reaching down within the dermis.

Infrared (760 -400,000 nm)

These wavelengths warm us when we stand in the sun and are emitted by the stove, furnace, light bulb, heat lamp, oven, and space heaters.



Physical Blocker

Titanium dioxide
Opaque Titanium dioxide is highly reflects and strongly scatters UV and visible rays. It also reflects much of the skin damaging IR waves. It reflects much of the skin damaging heat, keeping the skin cooler. Sub-micronized titanium dioxide which is invisible on the skin, working by absorbing, reflecting and scattering UVB and some UVA rays.

Zinc oxide
It has ability to protect against UVA. It absorbs rather than scatter. It also reflects IR from the skin.

Organic chemical sunscreen

Octyl methoxycinnamate, OMC (parsol MCX) :
That is one of the most widely utilized UVB absorber in the world. It is poor substantively (waterproof ness).

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
It is a water insoluble UVB absorber which also exhibits UVA absorption.
Products that contain this ingredient cause photo contact allergy to this agents.

Dibenzonylmethanes (Avobenzone)
They are capable of high degree of UV absorption but they are unstable.

Salicylates ( Octylsalate)
They are not very effective sunscreen agents, but they are water – insoluble and very stable.

Octocrylene
An emollient water resistant which provides protection in the UVB and lower UVA range.

Antioxidants are also being included in sunscreen. They are not intended to act as primary UV absorber. Rather they act to prevent damage directly and indirectly.

Sunscreens are rated by FDA based on two main factors. The FDA evaluates sunscreen for their SPF aswell as for the substantively.
SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how long your skin has protection against sun while you are wearing sunscreen. For example an SPF 20 indicates that it should take 20 times longer to sun burn with the sunscreen, than if you stay in the sunlight with untreated skin.