UV Face

Sunscreen protects skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation through a mix of organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical) active components, each targeting different parts of the UV spectrum.

Organic molecules such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate absorb UV photons—primarily in the UVA (320–400 nm) and UVB (280–320 nm) ranges—by undergoing reversible chemical excitation, dissipating the energy harmlessly as heat.

Inorganic filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, traditionally used as physical blockers, scatter and reflect UV radiation while also absorbing certain wavelengths, especially when formulated as micro- or nano-sized particles for transparency on skin.

Modern broad-spectrum sunscreens typically combine multiple actives to ensure coverage across UVA and UVB, with stabilizers added to prevent photodegradation (e.g., octocrylene stabilizing avobenzone).

Together, these components create a multilayered defense that reduces DNA damage, photoaging, and the risk of skin cancers by limiting UV penetration into the epidermis and dermis.