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A question from one of our readers:
I bought a sun protective cream. Could you comment on these active ingredients? Active ingredients Avobenzone 3% , Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%
Certainly, here’s a breakdown of the active ingredients in your sun protective cream:
- Avobenzone (3%): Avobenzone is a commonly used chemical sunscreen ingredient that helps to absorb UVA rays, which are primarily responsible for causing skin aging and damage. It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA rays.
- Homosalate (10%): Homosalate is another chemical sunscreen ingredient that primarily absorbs UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn and skin cancer. It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVB rays.
- Octisalate (5%): Octisalate is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that primarily absorbs UVB rays. It helps to enhance the UV protection of the sunscreen formula.
- Octocrylene (10%): Octocrylene is a chemical sunscreen ingredient that helps to stabilize other UV filters in the sunscreen formula. It also provides some UVB protection.
These active ingredients work together to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sunburn, skin aging, and damage caused by sun exposure. It’s important to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply it frequently, especially after swimming or sweating, for maximum protection.
The percentages of the active ingredients in your sun protective cream appear to be within the range commonly used in sunscreens to provide effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, the effectiveness of a sunscreen depends on various factors, including the formulation of the product, how evenly and liberally it is applied to the skin, and how often it is reapplied.
In general, a higher percentage of active ingredients can contribute to better sun protection, but it’s also important to consider other factors such as the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating of the sunscreen. SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays specifically.
NOTE:
It’s essential to apply sunscreen generously and evenly to all exposed skin areas and to reapply it every two hours or more frequently, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours can complement the use of sunscreen for comprehensive sun protection.