Sunscreens: Your Key to Healthy Skin

Dermatologists recommend the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, dry skin, & sensitive skin. Shutterstock Images
What are Sunscreens?
A sunscreen, otherwise called a sunblock, is a skincare product that helps protect the skin against frequent and prolonged sun exposure. It is a topical product that comes in various forms, with the most common being the lotion, gel, and spray forms. The use of this product is encouraged by reputable medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology.
There are two main types of sunscreens, classified according to their composition[1]:
- 1) physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral sunscreens)
- 2) chemical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens[2] consist of titanium dioxide[3] and zinc oxide[4]. They work like a shield that sits on the surface of the skin, physically blocking and deflecting the UV rays from the sun.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, is like a sponge that absorbs UV rays. Unlike physical sunscreens, they don't leave a white residue and are much easier to rub onto the skin. Among the most popular chemical sunscreens are avobenzone[5] and octisalate[6].