The Importance of Sun Protection
A daily sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products in your arsenal – essential for healthy, more youthful appearing skin. Read on to learn about the science of sun damage and how ZO® Skin Health’s Triple-Spectrum Protection™ sunscreens and innovative, proprietary technologies help provide advanced skin protection.
How Does UV Radiation Damage Skin?
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the #1 cause of premature skin aging and is linked to increased risk of skin cancers. There are two main types of UV light that reach your skin – UVA + UVB.
UVA Radiation
UVA light has a longer wavelength and can penetrate through clouds and windows. This is why it is important to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days and when when near windows. UVA rays can reach deeper skin layers and can contribute to the breakdown of structural proteins like collagen and elastin. It is associated with visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, loss of firmness and rough texture.
Tip: a way to remember what UVA rays affect is to think of the A in UVA as representing “aging.”
UVB Radiation
UVB light is a shorter, higher-energy wavelength ray. It primarily affects the skin’s outermost layer (epidermis) and is associated with sunburn.
Tip: a way to remember what UVB rays affect is to think of the B in UVB as representing “burning.”
How Does HEV Light + IR-A Damage Skin?
In addition to UV radiation, it is also important to have adequate skin protection from high-energy visible (HEV) light and infrared-A (IR-A) rays. These light rays can reach deeper skin layers than either UVA or UVB rays and can contribute to visible signs of skin ageing, including wrinkles, uneven tone, dryness and redness.
HEV (Blue) Light
HEV light, commonly referred to as blue light, is visible to the human eye. HEV light originates from the sun, but can also emitted by the technology we use every day, including smartphones and computer screens, as well as indoor fluorescent lighting.
IR-A Rays
Infrared-A (IR-A) rays compose the majority of the sun’s rays that reach the earth. IR-A rays are invisible to the human eye and may be harmful at high levels of exposure. IR-A rays can reach deeper skin layers. Recent research suggests that IR-A rays may contribute to collagen breakdown and generate free radicals that can impact the skin’s appearance. In addition, IR-A rays can increase surface warmth, which may worsen certain pigmentation concerns such as melasma.
Protection for Sun-Exposed Skin: ZO’s Triple-Spectrum Protection™
ZO’s Triple-Spectrum Protection™ products go beyond conventional sunscreens with advanced skin defense against the effects of UVA, UVB, HEV + IR-A exposure, while providing antioxidants, hydrators + lipids benefits.
ZO® Skin Health’s Triple-Spectrum Protection™ technologies help maintain healthy-looking skin by addressing exposure to UVA, UVB, infrared radiation and both natural and computer screen-derived HEV blue light, as well as pollution.
Physical + Chemical Filters
Plant-Derived Melanin
Plant-derived melanin helps to protect skin against potentially harmful effects of HEV light (blue light).
Antioxidant Protection
Exclusive ZOX12® complex provides extended antioxidant protection against IR-A rays as well as other forms of free radical exposure.
FAQs About Sunscreen
How Often Should You Apply Sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied and re-applied every two hours – and more frequently if swimming or sweating.
How Do I Reapply Sunscreen If I Have Makeup On?
A lightweight powder sunscreen such as ZO’s Sunscreen + Powder is a great option for easy, on-the-go touch ups. Bonus: It provides light, complexion-perfecting coverage and helps to mattify away mid-day shine.
What Is the Meaning of Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen?
The term “broad-spectrum” indicates that a sunscreen contains sun filters that help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. All five of ZO’s facial sunscreen products are broad-spectrum.
Which Sunscreen Is Better: Physical or Chemical? What Are the Differences?
Physical sunscreen filters, the most common of which include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, primarily sit on skin’s surface and reflect/scatter the sun’s UV rays.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreen ingredients, examples of which are avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate, absorb the sun’s UV rays then convert them to heat, which is dissipated.
What Is a Hybrid Sunscreen?
Hybrid sunscreens are facial sunscreen products that combine both physical and chemical filters.
Is Water Resistant Sunscreen the Same as Sweat Resistant?
Yes. It is important to look for a water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen for face and body, especially for active use. Sunscreens can be labeled as “water resistant” for up to 40 minutes. Ideal for active lifestyles, ZO’s Daily Sheer Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 offers up to 40 minutes of water and sweat resistance.