#104 How Does Sunscreen Block UV Rays?

What exactly are UV rays?

Although invisible, UV rays are a type of light. They refer to light with shorter wavelengths than visible light, but they can be further categorized based on their varying energy levels. The UV rays that cause sunburn carry higher energy than the light we usually perceive. Kanemaru-san, a chemical plant engineer, carefully explains why these rays damage our skin.

Two fascinating defense mechanisms of sunscreen.

There are two main ways to protect your skin from UV rays: UV absorbers and UV scatterers. The difference lies in whether they absorb UV radiation and release it as heat, or physically reflect and scatter it. Each has its own benefits, and it is important to choose based on your skin type. During the discussion, our host specifically explains what SPF and PA ratings mean, providing a helpful guide for reading product labels.

Packed with tips for choosing sunscreen.

Which is better for you, an absorber or a scatterer? And what ingredients are actually used? He mentions specific examples like Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate. Digging into chemical structures is something unique to a show hosted by an engineer. In the middle of the episode, he shares an anecdote about unraveling the chemical structure of absorbers that will make the science behind sunscreen surprisingly clear. There is even more in-depth discussion ahead, so please listen to the full episode to hear the rest.