A broad spectrum sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that provides protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. These two types of UV rays are responsible for causing sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging of the skin.
Broad spectrum sunscreen is important because it offers protection against both types of UV rays, whereas a sunscreen that only protects against UVB rays may not offer adequate protection against UVA rays.
Key Ingredients
One of the key ingredients in a broad spectrum sunscreen is zinc oxide. This mineral provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Other ingredients, such as titanium dioxide, may also be used. But titanium dioxide misses fully half of the UVA portion, when used by itself.
Non nano zinc oxide provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays and is simply the best active sunscreen ingredient in the industry today. Covering the entire UVA/UVB spectrum by itself, it has the most consistently effective absorption capabilities, which never degrade.
In addition to these mineral ingredients, many broad spectrum sunscreens also contain chemical ingredients, such as avobenzone, that provide additional protection against UV rays. Although these chemicals help some sunscreens cover the UV spectrum, they present a toxic solution and disastrous results to long term user health. Petrochemical sunscreens need multiple active ingredients for complete coverage, which degrades quickly on the shelf.
SPF 30
It is important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and to reapply it every two hours, or after swimming, sweating or towel drying. This will ensure maximum protection against UV rays. It is also important to note that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection against the sun's harmful rays, so it is important to take other sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, sunglasses and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Another important aspect of using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is to apply it to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, hands, and any other areas that may be exposed to the sun. It's also important to note that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage to the skin. Thus, it is important to use sunscreen every day, not just on sunny days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a broad spectrum sunscreen is an essential part of any sun defense routine. It provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging of the skin.
NEXT STEPS
1. Know your ingredients — Flip over your sunscreen and read the ingredients. We want everyone to know what good ingredients are, regardless of whether they use our products or not. Your health is worth it.
2. Buy safe sunscreen — Waxhead is dedicated to using only the healthiest, safest, most effective ingredients in our sunscreens. Shop Safe Sunscreen here.
3. Teach a friend — If you know someone who might still be buying sunscreen with questionable ingredients, please share this post with him/her.
