We all need to save our skin from harmful UV Rays and that is why we use sunscreens. However, while buying sunscreen we do see “Broad Spectrum” mentioned over some of them, so what is it?
What is BROAD SPECTRUM?
A broad-spectrum test demonstrates that a product delivers UVA protection that is proportional to its UVB protection. It is a word for sunscreens proven to protect against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) radiation. While most sunscreens, despite having a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor), only shield UVB rays and not UVA rays, broad-spectrum sunscreens are designed to shield both UVA and UVB radiation. In addition, UV rays are a primary cause of skin cancer and skin ageing in addition to sunburn. Therefore, broad-spectrum sunscreens have emerged as the most effective way to shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays’ damaging effects. It’s crucial to look for sunscreens with a “broad spectrum” along with some additional UVA-blocking components.
The SPF of a sunscreen, which many people rely on to determine how effective a product is, is primarily a measurement of how long it takes for UVB rays to cause the skin to become reddened when using the sunscreen as opposed to when not using it. No sunscreen is expected to remain effective for more than two hours. SPF, on the other hand, says nothing to consumers about the UVA protection the product gives if it is not branded as broad spectrum.
