What happens to sunscreen after it’s applied onto the skin?

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How is it being absorbed into the body? Where does it go?

In: Biology

Anonymous 0 Comments

It generally isn’t absorbed into your body.

There are two main types of sunscreen, chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb the damaging UV light that causes sunburn and cancer.

Physical sunscreen contains minerals/compounds like zinc that act as a barrier, blocking/reflecting the damaging UV light.

As for where it goes, well, it could go into the water you’re swimming in (which is actually a big concern with some sunscreens in places with sensitive wildlife like Reefs) or it could simply get gradually rubbed off your body bit by bit onto the ground/into the air like dust.

These things aren’t typically absorbed into the skin, generally they are either broken down by the sunlight or gradually get washed/rubbed off. Which is why if out in the sun all day you need to reapply multiple times.