Opinion|Videos|March 12, 2025
Sunscreen Ingredients for UV and Visible Light Protection
Author(s)Susan Taylor, MD, FAAD
An expert discusses how UV radiation causes DNA damage, accelerating skin aging and cancer risk. Visible light and infrared radiation induce oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Conventional sunscreens shield against UV radiation but offer limited visible light and infrared protection. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) provide broad coverage, while chemical filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone) absorb UV radiation but lack efficacy against visible and infrared radiation.
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Episodes in this series
Video content above is prompted by the following:
- How do the effects of visible light and infrared radiation on skin health compare with the effects of UV radiation?
- Are there specific populations or skin types more vulnerable to the effects of visible light?
- How do conventional sunscreens protect against UV radiation, and what are their limitations regarding visible light and infrared radiation?
- Physical/mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
- Chemical (oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc)
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