{"id":2302,"date":"2023-06-14T11:03:06","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T18:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medicineshoppecourtenay.ca\/?p=2302"},"modified":"2023-06-19T15:15:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T22:15:03","slug":"how-to-read-the-back-of-a-sunscreen-bottle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicineshoppecourtenay.ca\/how-to-read-the-back-of-a-sunscreen-bottle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Read the Back of a Sunscreen Bottle"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Nirmal Kaur Seehra When selecting a sunscreen product, you want something that provides your skin with broad spectrum coverage. What does this actually mean though? It means that you\u2019ll want to pick ingredients that can offer protection against both UVA and UVB radiation that is emitted from the sun. (2)<\/p>\n UVA radiation is able to penetrate skin the deepest and remains constant throughout the year. This is why you need to apply sunscreen daily, regardless of season. There are two subcategories of UVA rays (UVA1 and UVA2), and they can have various harmful effects on the human body, such as photoaging, skin cancer, sunburn, cataracts, retinal damage, and immunosuppression (2). In contrast, UVB radiation is most intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and between 10 AM to 4 PM. UVB rays can cause sunburn and hyperpigmentation of the skin, including darkening of acne lesions. (2)<\/p>\n The ingredients on the back of a sunscreen bottle often sound like gibberish, but it is important to pay close attention to them to prevent skin and environmental damage. Several chemical ingredients have already been banned in popular vacation spots like Hawaii, Mexico, California, and Thailand, due to toxicity to marine life. If you travel with sunscreens that contain toxic chemicals, you may be fined and your sunscreen product(s) may get confiscated. (1)<\/p>\n The following table compares the relative effectiveness of the different sun blockers, along with their environmental impact. (4) Although exfoliating beads and parabens (3) are not included in the table, it should be noted that these ingredients have also been banned in certain countries. Research on environmental toxins is ongoing, so it is important to check your destination country\u2019s travel advisories for the most up-to-date list of banned chemicals.<\/p>\n
\n2024 UBC PharmD Candidate<\/span><\/p>\n