1. What are UV rays?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible radiation emitted by the sun. You may not see them or feel them, but over time, exposure can affect your skin's health, appearance and ageing process.
There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. Each behaves differently, which is why your sunscreen needs to do more than just protect against sunburn.
UVA — The Ageing Rays
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to collagen damage, premature ageing, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. They can also pass through ordinary window glass.
UVB — The Burning Rays
UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin. They are the main cause of sunburn and can damage skin cells, contributing to skin cancer.
UVC — The Rays That Don't Normally Reach You
UVC rays are largely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not normally reach the Earth's surface. UVA and UVB are the main types of solar UV radiation you need to protect your skin against.
2. What can the sun do to your skin?
Sun exposure isn't just about getting a tan. Repeated, unprotected UV exposure can have effects that build up over time.
Sunburn and redness
UVB exposure can cause redness, tenderness, inflammation and peeling.
Tanning and pigmentation
UV exposure stimulates changes in skin pigment, contributing to tanning and potentially worsening existing dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Premature ageing
UVA exposure contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which help keep skin firm and elastic. Over time, this can contribute to wrinkles, fine lines and loss of firmness.
Skin cell damage
UV radiation can damage DNA in skin cells. Repeated exposure increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Weakened local immune response
Excessive UV exposure can suppress parts of the skin's immune response, adding to the risks associated with cumulative sun damage.
3. Chemical vs. Mineral vs. Hybrid Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens use the same combination of UV filters. Here's how the three common categories differ.
Chemical sunscreen
Uses organic UV filters that absorb UV radiation and convert much of that energy into a small amount of heat.
Common examples: Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus and other organic UV filters.
Mineral sunscreen
Uses mineral filters, typically Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. These filters absorb UV radiation and can also reflect and scatter some of it.
Common examples: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
Hybrid sunscreen
Combines organic UV filters with mineral filters to provide sun protection through a combination of ingredients.
4. What about blue light?
Blue light is part of visible light, not ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight is a major source of blue light, and some research suggests that visible light can contribute to persistent pigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones.
However, not every sunscreen offers meaningful protection against visible or blue light. Such claims depend on the filters, formulation and supporting test data.
5. Chemical, mineral or hybrid—which should you choose?
Choose a sunscreen that provides appropriate UVA and UVB protection, suits your skin and feels comfortable enough to apply consistently.
Look for a high SPF, strong UVA protection, and water resistance when you need it. Apply generously and reapply approximately every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
Sunscreen works best alongside shade, protective clothing and other sun-safe habits.
6. What does water-resistant mean?
Water-resistant sunscreen is tested to maintain its sun protection during water exposure for a specified period. However, it doesn't mean the sunscreen is completely waterproof or that its protection lasts all day.
Swimming, sweating and towel-drying can remove sunscreen from your skin, which is why reapplication is essential to maintain protection.