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How are Nanoparticles used in Sunscreens?
Sunscreens
are used to protect
skin against the harmful
effects
of UV light (ultraviolet light)
from the Sun.
The wavelengths of UV
light which cause skin damage
are divided into two ranges called UVA
and UVB.
What is UVA?
UVA
contains the longer wavelength of UV
light which can
damage cells deep
inside skin tissue and lead to
skin cancer.
Zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide can effectively reflect UVA
and prevent it from reaching the skin.
These two compounds
are made even more effective in sunscreens when used in the
form of nanoparticles because of their high surface area.
There is however some concern that nanoparticles
may be
harmful to health and
products containing nanoparticles may
need further
investigation before they can be known to be safe.
What is UVB?
UVB contains the
shorter wavelength of UV light which
causes
sunburn but is less likely to cause
cancer. Some sunscreens may
be more effective at blocking either UVA or UVB but not both.
What is SPF?
Sunscreens may also have a
SPF
(sun protection
factor) rating.
The higher the number, the greater
the protection given.
You must use care when using sunscreen to avoid being
over confident that you will have enough protection.
Read the instructions thoroughly and follow the
recommendations
for re-applying the sunscreen
especially if you are swimming,
as water will
remove
some sunscreen from the surface of the
skin.
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