Sunny Sunscreen

Shockingly, visible signs of aging can be 90% due to sun rays with those of lighter skin. Research shows that those in a group that were using sunscreen consistently had significantly less skin aging. The application of sunscreen is very important and is no joke to reduce skin cancer and skin aging. I encourage you to read the following article, check out the linked sources, and to do your own research on the science of sunshine!

The Rays of Sunshine 

The commonly well known types of sun rays include UVA and UVB. How the rays of the sun will react depends on the wavelength. Because UVA has a longer wavelength, these waves will penetrate deep into the skin and can go through many types of glass. In contrast, UVB rays have a shorter wavelength, unable to go through many types of glass. UVB rays are known for causing sun burn. Sunlight also contains infrared rays (IR). There are near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infared rays. There is a lot that goes on with these rays. Near infrared is linked to photogaging, while short bursts of certain infrared rays may produce beneficial results in the body 1,2. Visible light (the color spectrum) can also have both beneficial and negative results When visible light is combined with IR and UVR the result can be more free radical damage due to the power of synergy.

Protection 

Many ingredients in sunscreen get absorbed right into your body, so it is important to be mindful of them. The FDA, thus far has only recognized two active sunscreen ingredients as generally safe and effective - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. However, December of 2025, the FDA has announced to make a move to add bemotrizinol to the list. It is also interesting to note that the European Union has banned titanium dioxide in food additives. 

Iron Oxides 

Emerging research has shown that the chemical compound iron oxide can protect against visible light. You might find iron oxide in cosmetic products such as foundation to give the tinted color. A study showed that black, red and yellow iron oxides decreased high energy visible light by 71.9%‐85.6%. When used with zinc oxide the paper found enhanced effects. 

Other Ingredients 

Ecotin is an emerging sunscreen ingredient shown to have properties to protect from UVA rays. Ecotin is produced by organisms living in very harsh, sometimes very dry climates to protect themselves. Microalgae is also another ingredient being used for its potential defenses against UV rays. Some research also points out raspberry seed oil as protective against UVB rays and is used in some sunscreens. Vitamin C is another very popular skin care ingredient. Vitamin C is able to easily donate an electron, neutralizing free radicals caused by UV rays. However, how a vitamin C serum is made is highly important as how it is formulated and the type of vitamin C used will affect how well the vitamin C is absorbed. 

It should be very importantly noted that these ingredients are not by themselves protective against the sun. Make sure to apply proper sunscreen, protective layers, and minimize time out in the sun during peak hours. 

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) - What is it? 

SPF-30 at minimum is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. It is a measure of how much solar energy is needed to cause sunburn. 

Food as SPF?

Antioxidant rich foods are also a great way to have your body naturally create SPF defenses as those having β-carotene or lycopene.

Application of Sunscreen 

The FDA recommends applying 2mg of sunscreen per square centimeter. About one teaspoon for your face, head, and neck; one teaspoon each for the entire length of each arm; two teaspoons per leg; and two teaspoons total for your front and back torso [1,2]. Wrong application amount could even make an SPF 50 work like an SPF 12.5 [1,2]. 

Many sunscreen products will encourage you to wait 15 minutes before going outside after applying sunscreen. However, research shows sunscreen stabilizes in 10 minutes and is effective immediately after application [1,2]. However, if you are planning on exposing yourself to water, then waiting 15 to 30 minutes is recommended. [1,2].

Sunscreen also does not expire after two hours. Reapplication is necessary only if it has been rubbed off by sand, water, sweating, or any type of friction [1,2]. Otherwise it can last as long as eight hours. 

Weather 

Sunscreen is still needed on cloudy days as the sun’s rays still shine through. In fact, in some areas UV rays can be stronger because they reflect out of nearby clouds and direct energy to a specific area. Double whammy because UVA rays are still very present, because of their wavelength size while UVB rays (the ray that helps our bodies produce D3) are decreased [1,2,3]. Sunlight also reflects off of snow. The ozone layer in the stratosphere also protects against UV rays. 

Glass

Nearly all UVB is blocked out by many glasses, but not UVA. How effectively UVA is blocked out depends on the glass - with green glass and laminated glass being the most protective. 

Summary 

1. There are different types of sunlight including infrared, visible, and UV rays. 

2. SPF sunblock usually protects against only UV rays and must be applied appropriately.

3. Other ingredients such as vitamin C, ecotin, iron oxides, and microalgae may also protect the skin from sun damage. 

4. UVB sun rays help the body produce vitamin D. 

5. Sun protection is still needed on cloudy and snowy days. 

6. Food as SPF! High antioxidant rich foods can act as sunscreen protection!