What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
We all agree that applying sunscreen on a sunny day is essential to prevent getting sunburn. However, not all sunscreens can protect you from the harmful effects of UV rays. Using sunscreens with insufficient coverage may still leave the skin vulnerable to long-term damage. As a result, it is important to understand how to choose a sunscreen that properly protects your skin.
In this article, we will introduce broad spectrum sunscreen, a type of sunscreen formulated to provide comprehensive protection against UV rays. We also provide a practical guide to help you choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type and needs. Therefore, you can enjoy summertime outdoors with confidence and protection.
What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
Most regular sunscreens are formulated to absorb UVB rays and shorter-wavelength UVA rays, which are the main causes of sunburn and increased skin cancer risk. However, as the wavelength increases, UVA rays can penetrate to the deeper skin layer. Once the wavelength reaches a certain level, it becomes difficult for sunscreens to block UVA rays. This level of wavelength is known as the critical wavelength.
According to the FDA, a sunscreen can be labeled as the broad spectrum sunscreen only if it protects against both UVB and UVA rays beyond the minimum critical wavelength of 370 nm.
Why Is It Better to Use Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
Using a broad spectrum sunscreen offers multiple benefits. It helps protect the skin from harmful UV exposure and reduces the risk of sun-related skin damage and long-term skin concerns. This section highlights the key skin issues that can be prevented by broad spectrum sunscreen, explaining how it supports healthier, more resilient skin.
Risk of skin cancer
Skin cancer is a type of disease in which cancer cells grow in the skin. The symptoms include having mole-like patches or continuous soreness and itchiness. While overexposure to UV radiation from sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer, using sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB rays may help reduce this risk.
Premature aging
Premature aging refers to the early signs of skin aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. They are mainly caused by UV rays breaking down collagen and elastin, which are the proteins essential for keeping the skin firm and smooth. The broad spectrum sunscreen reduces sun damage by blocking the harmful UV rays, maintaining healthy skin over time.
Sunburn
Exposure to sunlight brings various benefits to our body, such as boosting Vitamin D for a better immune system and bone health. However, overexposure also causes sunburn, leading to inflamed and swollen skin. Most sunscreens prevent the skin from sunburn, but the broad spectrum sunscreen offers a more comprehensive protection since it also absorbs long-wavelength UV rays.
Hyperpigmentation
This is a skin condition in which a certain area of skin tone gets darker than the surrounding areas. Hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun exposure, resulting in age spots and uneven skin tone. The UV rays lead to excess production of melanin, which is a substance that determines the color of our eyes, hair, and skin tone. Wearing broad spectrum sunscreen can effectively shield your skin from the UV rays, which prevents hyperpigmentation caused by overexposure to the sun.
Understanding Sunscreen Labels
Ever feel overwhelmed by the dazzling terms on sunscreen labels? Understanding sunscreen labels before purchasing helps you choose a product that truly meets your needs. To better understand the protection level and key features, this section explains the most common terms on sunscreen labels.
What are UVA and UVB?
UVA and UVB are two types of UV radiation with different wavelengths, energy, and penetration levels.
UVA
Compared to UVB rays, UVA rays have a longer wavelength, lower energy, and stronger penetration. It can penetrate deeper layers of skin, causing skin tanning, aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
UVB
Due to their shorter wavelength and higher energy, UVB rays are more likely to cause direct damage to the skin. Overexposure to UVB rays can lead to skin redness, inflammation, and sunburn.
What are PA and SPF?
PA and SPF are both measurements for the protection level of UV rays. They indicate how well the sunscreen can protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays.
PA
PA is the grading system of UVA rays that originated in Japan, showing as plus signs on the labels. The more plus signs indicate a higher protection grade against the UVA rays. The PA system is adapted from the PPD system in Europe, which also indicates the protection level of UVA rays.
SPF
SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor, which indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVB rays. The SPF number represents how much longer the skin can be exposed to sunlight without burning compared to unprotected skin. For example, if bare skin gets sunburn after 10 minutes, using a sunscreen with SPF 15 theoretically extends that time to 150 minutes under the same conditions.
How to Select Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?
Selecting the ideal sunscreen requires thorough consideration of various factors, including occasions, ingredients, and skin types.
Protection level and ingredients
First of all, the sunscreen should be labeled as broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. In addition, choosing sunscreens formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are natural minerals that help block UV rays, is also suitable for both indoor and basic outdoor activities.
Skin types
Choosing sunscreen based on skin types allows you to comfortably wear sunscreen for a long period of time. For oily skin, it is suitable to use sunscreen with Niacinamide, which can effectively regulate oil production. For dry skin, the sunscreen formulated with hyaluronic acid is preferred since it offers great hydration to the skin.
Usage scenario
It is important to choose different types of sunscreen based on the activity and the duration of sun exposure. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with higher SPF ratings are better suited for outdoor activities such as hiking and running, as they provide stronger and longer-lasting protection. For water-based activities like swimming or surfing, selecting a reef-safe sunscreen as many conventional sunscreen ingredients can be harmful to marine ecosystems.
FAQ: Common Questions About Sunscreen
- Is broad spectrum sunscreen mineral or chemical?
Physical sunscreen reflects UV rays away, while chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat before they damage the skin. Both types can be formulated to be broad spectrum sunscreens. - When to apply sunscreen?
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to form a protective layer on the skin. - How often should you reapply sunscreen?
It should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating, to maintain adequate protection throughout sun exposure. - Does expired sunscreen still work?
An expired sunscreen may be less effective for sun protection and may cause irritation or allergic reactions to the skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, broad-spectrum sunscreen offers reliable protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It helps to safeguard your skin from sun damage. By understanding how to select a sunscreen that suits your skin type and lifestyle, you can stay outside without worrying about getting sunburn during summer.
Fermic offers a wide range of high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreens for both consumers and brand owners. Our popular options include the high-performance sunscreen and the reef-safe sunscreen. Contact us to learn more about our broad-spectrum sunscreens and explore our ODM services.