How does sunscreen work?
In: Chemistry
Although there is more than one mechanism, the easiest way to understand is, that it‘s like a second layer of skin on your skin. This second very thin skin blocks the part of the sun that gives you a sunburn. Imagine that after a while this second skin is burnt and will then burn your real skin. That‘s why it only works a certain time.
Well, if you’re Michael Scott…. you put it on the closest window and it keeps you from getting sunburnt! The complex proteins in the formula form a protective layer that breaks down the radiation effects from direct sunlight(for a time), and you can relax in your office without fear of that nasty one-directional tan from the windows.
Here is a (https://youtu.be/yrs3_F5uzJI) to get a good visual of how it works. I’d recommend the veritasium videos on the subject as well. But just like another user in the thread said, it’s just like paint on your face that is specific to blocking UV light from the sun.
Sunscreen is just paint. You put it on skin to absorb light, so the skin isn’t damaged. It’s a “special” paint (as long as you don’t think of zinc oxide as sunscreen) that is “clear” to the colors of light humans can see. You can’t see the ugly paint, without a UV camera.
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