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Sunscreen, also known assunblock,sun lotionorsun cream, is aphotoprotectivetopical product for theskinthat helps protect againstsunburnand preventskin cancer. Sunscreens come aslotions, sprays, gels, foams (such as an expanded foam lotion or whipped lotion), sticks, powders and other topical products. Sunscreens are common supplements to clothing, particularlysunglasses,sunhatsand specialsun protective clothing, and other forms of photoprotection (such asumbrellas). Sunscreen is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Sunscreen products may be classified according to the type ofactive ingredient(s)present in the formulation (inorganic compoundsororganic molecules) as:
Mineral sunscreens (also referred to as physical sunscreens), which use onlyinorganic compounds(zinc oxideand/ortitanium dioxide) as active ingredients. These ingredients primarily work by absorbing UV rays but also through reflection and refraction.Chemical sunscreens (also referred to as organic sunscreens), which use organic molecules as active ingredients. Chemical sunscreen ingredients work by absorbing the UV rays.Additionally, particulate organic UV filters, such asbisoctrizole, can also reflect and scatter a small portion of incident UV light.Hybrid sunscreens, which contain a combination of organic and inorganic UV filters.
Medical organizations such as theAmerican Cancer Societyrecommend the use of sunscreen because it aids in the prevention ofsquamous cell carcinomas.The routine use of sunscreens may also reduce the risk ofmelanoma.To effectively protect against all the potential damages of UV light, the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens (covering bothUVAandUVBradiation) has been recommended.