Sunscreen and sunglasses play a crucial role in protecting our skin and eyes from the sun's damaging rays. They contain various ingredients and materials that work together to provide sun protection. Here are some key aspects of sunscreen and sunglasses: Sunscreen :
- Ingredients : Sunscreens contain active and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients absorb solar energy and convert it into heat, while inactive ingredients, such as lotions, oils, or water, help preserve the sunscreen's effectiveness
. Common active ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule
. The FDA has also recommended 12 chemical ingredients, such as cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, padimate O, sulisobenzone, and avobenzone
- Types : There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, reflect or block the sun's rays
. Chemical sunscreens, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, absorb the sun's rays and convert them into heat
- Regulation : Sunscreens are regulated by the FDA, and the regulatory label on the bottle is more important than the brand name
. The FDA has a list of active ingredients that are "generally regarded as safe and effective" (GRASE), and any product marketed as a sunscreen should include at least one, but usually two or more of those ingredients
- Concerns : Some sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been studied extensively and are considered controversial due to potential hormone disruption and environmental impacts
. More research is needed to determine the true impact of these ingredients on human health
Sunglasses :
- Protection : Sunglasses provide protection for our eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can cause damage to the cornea and other eye tissues
- Materials : Sunglasses can be made from various materials, such as acetate, which is a type of plastic that can be more resistant to sunscreen damage
- Fit : It is essential to choose sunglasses that fit well and provide adequate coverage for the eyes. A proper fit ensures that the sun's rays cannot enter through gaps in the frame or arms.
In summary, sunscreen and sunglasses protect us from the sun's damaging rays through a combination of active ingredients, inactive components, and protective materials. It is crucial to choose sunscreens with safe and effective ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and to wear sunglasses that provide a snug fit and adequate protection for the eyes.
