Sunscreen

STEP THREE A
An important part of Australian’s Sun Protection Plan

Wearing of protective clothing should be considered as the most effective method of skin protection.

Some parts of the body however, can not be covered by clothes { eg. Face }. Often hot summer temperatures require an individual to wear less clothing for comfort.
It is necessary therefore to protect areas uncovered by clothing with sunscreens.

 

What is a sunscreen?

A sunscreen is a product which is applied to the skin to prevent the ultraviolet radiation of the sun from hitting the skin with its full force. Sunscreens are made from substances that either absorb or reflect the ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the epidermis.

Sunscreens can be designed to:

1. block out just U.V.-B rays

2. Be broad spectrum and block U.V. A and B rays

3. Be water resistant

 

Sunscreens can be either physical or chemical.

 

Physical Sunscreens form an opaque film over the area where they are applied. Example: zinc oxide.
It reflects the radiation before it strikes the skin.
These type of preparations are called “ total blocks” as they prevent the passage of both U.V.-A and U.V.-B radiation .

The user of these products will neither tan nor burn if a thick layer is applied.

 

R. Kanitz- Birnbaum