How it works: Ultraviolet rays can be divided into ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Sunscreens work by either absorbing the rays (chemical absorbers) or by reflecting the rays (physical blockers). Different

sunscreen ingredients help to protect against different parts of the ultraviolet spectrum. Chemical absorbers usually protect skin from either UVA or UVB rays, while the physical blockers protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Below is a list of the common sunscreen ingredients and the part of the spectrum that they protect from:

UVB blockers                       UVA blockers               Physical blockers (UVA and UVB)
Aminobenzoic acid                  Avobenzone                   Zinc oxide
Cinoxate                                 Dioxybenzone                 Titanium dioxide
Homosalate                             Menthyl anthranilate
Octocrylene                            Oxybenzone
Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Octyl salicylate
Padimate O

Effectiveness: Used correctly, sunscreens can be very helpful in protecting your skin from photodamage and the progression of photoaging, as well as protecting again the formation of skin cancer. Some sunscreens even include antioxidants (like vitamin C and vitamin E) to help in total sun protection. To learn more about using sunscreens successfully, visit our Sun Protection FAQs.

Where to find it: There are many different sunscreen products available, examples include: Blue lizard, Bullfrog, COTZ, Pre-sun, and Total Block

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