We need sunscreen because it protects the skin from UV damage and sunburn. Sunscreens are over-the-counter products that come in lotions, gels, ointments and sprays. Our skin responds to excessive exposure to the sun by turning red, becoming hot, and becoming painful to the touch. Severe sunburns cause skin blistering and peeling. The sun’s rays have two types of harmful UV rays – UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB and are the cause of premature skin ageing. UVB rays are the primary sunburning agent.
Why do we need sunscreen?
