Sunblock or sunscreen products are very essential in skin protection. They shield the skin from the ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun. Generally, they are classified according to their sun-protection factor of SPF. Such factor vary on the the sunblock ingredients as well as sun exposure. There are several kinds of substances used in making sunscreens. They mostly differ with the degree of protection and the kinds of ultraviolet light they block or screen.
Most ingredients are combination of natural and synthetic components. Typically, the commonly used ingredient in sunscreen is called the avobenzone or Parsol 1789. The synthetic material protect the skin from UVA or ultraviolet alpha. Broad spectrum protection is achieved by absorbing UV light. Benzophenone and oxybenzone are good examples for such ingredients. PABA or paraaminobenzoic acid is also an effective UV-absorbing component. However, there are people who get irritated with it. Recently, it is substituted by Padimate-O (a derivative of PABA). Take note that both substances are only effective against UVB or ultraviolet beta rays.
Cinnamates, like octyl methoxcinnamate or menthyl anthranilate, provide low-level protection, and only absorbs UVB light. Sunblock with octylsalicylate, homosalate and salicylates offer average or moderate sun protection. Such ingredients can give protection against UVA and UVB radiations. However, they are only effective against narrow light waves.
Benzophenones, including dioxybenzone and oxybenzone, can give the skin a broader range of UV light protection. They are more efficient as broad spectrum shield.
Natural minerals like titanium dioxide is another ingredient for broad spectrum protection. Such ingredient protect the skin by scattering the ultraviolet light rather than absorbing it. Zinc oxide works the same way, but it is more opaque than titanium dioxide. However, they both have whitening effect like the higher SPF sunscreens.
Also, antioxidants are usually mixed int. This slows down the oxidation of oils, so it will stay on the skin longer. Examples of natural antioxidants include vitamin C and E, sesame seed oil, green tea and rice bran oil. Some sunscreens have moisturizing and skin-soothing additives like chamomile and aloe.
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