SCIENCE
HOW SUNSCREEN PROTECTS SKIN
Blocking the Sun’s harmful rays is important. Here’s how sunscreen does the job
WORDS SCOTT DUTFIELD
Sunscreen comes in many forms, including lotions and aerosol sprays
Sunscreen or sunblock is a skincare essential, especially in hot climates.
Its goal is to prevent ultraviolet light from penetrating and damaging the skin. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is emitted by the Sun, and some enters Earth’s atmosphere. On its journey to the surface, it will be partially reflected into space by a layer of oxygen called the ozone along with other stratospheric features such as clouds and atmospheric gas. However, the levels of UV that reach the surface are still damaging to our skin.