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How sunscreen actually works (and why you should use it every day)

How sunscreen actually works (and why you should use it every day)

We all know sunscreen is “important.”

But most people don’t know how it works — or why it’s genuinely one of the smartest things you can do for your skin.

So, let’s unpack it in this week's LifeJournal:

The science. The filters. The ratings. The daily habits. No fluff. Just facts.

What’s the danger, really?

The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation in three wavelengths:

UVC – Mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. Doesn’t reach the ground.

UVB – Affects the epidermis, the skin’s top layer. Responsible for sunburn, DNA mutations, and skin cancer.

UVA – Penetrates deeper into the skin. Linked to photo-ageing (i.e. wrinkles), cellular damage, and long-term DNA disruption.

UV radiation causes oxidative stress in skin cells — meaning your body produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that attack proteins, DNA, and lipids. This leads to cell mutations, weakened immunity, collagen breakdown, and inflammation.

Long story short: sun exposure without protection leads to faster ageing, visible skin damage, and increased risk of cancer.

What sunscreen actually does

Sunscreens contain active ingredients that either absorb or reflect UV radiation, stopping it from damaging skin cells.

There are two main categories of UV filters:

1. Chemical (organic) filters
These absorb UV radiation and convert it into harmless heat. Each filter is designed to target a specific range of UV wavelengths.

Examples include:

Avobenzone – Strong UVA absorber
Octocrylene – Absorbs UVB and stabilises other filters
Mexoryl SX / XL – Broad-spectrum, photo-stable (i.e. they don't breakdown or degrade under light) filters, that are popular here in Europe
Oxybenzone – Broad-spectrum but now less commonly used due to environmental concerns

These filters sit within the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin) and absorb UV within nanoseconds. The energy is then released as low-level infrared heat.

2. Mineral (inorganic) filters
These include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They reflect, scatter, and absorb UV rays, depending on the particle size. They also absorb UV and release it as low-level heat. 

Mineral filters tend to be more photo-stable, less irritating, and offer instant protection on application. However, they can leave a white cast — which modern formulations (like ours) are designed to minimise.

What is “broad-spectrum”?

“Broad-spectrum” means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only refers to UVB protection.

UVA protection in the UK is indicated by the UVA circle logo or a star rating.

A sunscreen must meet a minimum UVA:UVB ratio of 1:3 to qualify as broad-spectrum in the UK/EU. LifeJacket products are tested and engineered to exceed those minimum standards — because UVA damage happens all year, not just when you burn.

Quantity and reapplication

To get the label’s protection, you need to apply:

2mg/cm² of skin — roughly one teaspoon for face and neck, or two tablespoons for a full adult body

Reapply every 2 hours, or after sweating, sports, swimming, or towel drying

Yes, even water-resistant formulas need reapplying. Water-resistant means the SPF still works after 40–80 minutes in water, not forever.

Why daily use matters

Sunscreen isn't just for sunny holidays or sports events. It's for daily wear. Why?

Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover

UVA rays penetrate glass, meaning you get exposure even indoors or in a car

Cumulative damage builds up slowly, over years — even if you never burn

Research shows that daily sunscreen use significantly reduces skin ageing and cancer risk compared to occasional or seasonal use.

A landmark study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2013) found that daily SPF 15+ use reduced photoageing by 24% over 4.5 years — regardless of age or skin tone.

Why performance matters

There’s sunscreen, and then there’s sunscreen that performs — under sweat, movement, water, and extreme conditions.

LifeJacket products are:

  • Engineered for high UV exposure
  • Tested on athletes, military personnel, and outdoor professionals
  • Designed for broad-spectrum, long-lasting protection
  • Formulated for skin feel, absorption, and endurance
  • No white cast. No greasy finish. Just solid science doing its job.

Final word

Sunscreen isn’t skincare hype. It’s daily defence — and arguably your best shot at long-term skin health.

Apply it properly. Wear it every day. Reapply when needed. And don’t trust clouds, glass, or shade to do the job for you.

You only get one skin. Look after it.

We’ve got your back.