Sun protection is a must whenever you step out in the sun. It’s essential, especially if you are living in an area with a high risk of sun damage. It is perhaps the reason why people apply sun protection products such as mineral body sunscreen.
Sunscreens are packed with a combination of organic and inorganic ingredients that are effective against UV rays. These products come in a variety of formulations, such as liquids, sprays, powders, lotions, creams, sprays, etc. Before you buy any sunscreen for your skin, it’s best to learn about two different types of sunscreens- chemical and mineral-based sunscreen and how they work. In the end, you will learn why people choose body butter lotion packed with minerals to protect their skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.
But before you learn about sunscreen, you may wonder if it is really necessary to apply these products. Here, we describe a few negative effects of UV rays on the skin. After reading these effects, you will buy the sunscreen now (if you are not using it yet).
Harmful effects of sun rays on the skin:
1. May cause premature aging of the skin-
It is caused not just by UV radiation but also by infrared radiation and free radicals. UV rays cause skin cell mutations by disrupting DNA links, possibly leading to skin cancer. Although infrared radiation plays an integral role, UV radiation is mostly responsible for causing skin damage and premature aging.
2. May lead to skin cancer-
The sun emits UV and infrared radiation, both of which may lead to the formation of malignant cells, notably skin cancer. Melanoma, the worst kind, is believed to be linked to sun exposure, with UV radiation raising the risk of malignant melanoma and cancerous cell formation.
3. May lead to wrinkles formation-
UV light from the sun causes wrinkles by destroying skin elastin, which is essential for connective tissue integrity. UV light damages these tissues, causing wrinkles to develop. Furthermore, people believe that there could be a link between UV radiation, skin cancer, and wrinkle formation that can highlight the diverse impact of sun exposure on skin health and aging.
4. Sunburn
Sunburn, a painful side effect of UV radiation, appears as red, heated, and sore skin- a clear indication of sun damage. Fortunately, the best mineral sunscreen for the body can protect against UV radiation by preventing it from penetrating the dermis, where blood and lymph nodes reside. This safeguarding product plays an essential role in avoiding potential harm, such as cancer and other health disorders.
Some other consequences of sun exposure-
It’s good to get some sunlight in the morning. But you might already know that excess of anything could be harmful. Hence, continuous exposure of the skin to the sun’s rays can negatively affect human health. A few common effects have already been described above, and some more are listed here.
- Damages elastic and collagen fibers
- Formation of aging signs
- Saggy skin
- Blood vessels dilation beneath the skin
- Presence of dark spots
- Yellowing of the skin
- Brown spots
Types of sunscreens-
There are two different types of sunscreens widely available in the market- Chemical and physical sunscreen. Both are good to protect the skin from the damaging effects of harmful sun rays. Learning about these products, such as how they work, can help you choose suitable products for your skin.
Physical sunscreen and how does it work-
Physical sunscreen, often known as “mineral” sunscreen, contains inorganic UV filters that reflect, scatter, and obstruct sunlight before it penetrates the skin. Mineral components such as Zinc Oxide reside on top of the epidermis, preventing absorption. These sun protection chemicals are recommended due to their hypoallergenic nature, which reduces undesirable skin reactions.
Physical sunscreens, which are ideal for persons with sensitive skin, provide a reliable barrier against dangerous UV radiation, offering efficient and safe sun protection. Consider these mineral-based body butter lotions for a skin-friendly approach to sun protection.
Chemical sunscreen and how does it work-
Chemical sunscreens work differently, using organic active components to absorb UV rays when applied. When exposed to sunlight, these carbon-based chemicals undergo a chemical reaction that converts UV photons into heat, which is subsequently exhaled from the skin. Chemical sunblocks, as opposed to physical sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB radiation, primarily protect against either UVA or UVB.
Chemical filters, unlike physical filters, use organic molecules to absorb UV radiation, aiding a chemical reaction that converts photons into heat, which is then released from the skin. Recognizing these distinctions aids in selecting the best sunscreen, whether broad-spectrum protection or targeted defense against certain UV radiation types is desired.
Mineral sunscreen is a better choice than chemical-based formulations-
As we have described how these sunscreens work, you may now be aware of which one to buy. Generally speaking, both are good to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects.
However, chemical sunscreens are packed with chemicals that can lead to irritation or other side effects on the skin. Buying a mineral sunscreen with its broad spectrum, non-chemical SPF 50 can offer high UVA and UVB protection while offering nourishment to your skin all over the body. You can buy the best mineral sunscreen for body packed with an effective combination of ingredients such as zinc oxide, ferulic acid, botanical plant-based extracts, etc.
If your skin is sensitive, you are especially advised to consult your dermatologists before applying any skincare products.
