Broad spectrum sunscreen is a kind of sunscreen that works to block two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA rays and UVB rays. Like other types of sunscreen, broad spectrum helps the user to avoid sun damage to the skin while also reducing one's risk of skin cancer. It can also help to reduce the appearance of aging in the skin, which can come in the form of discoloration in the skin, freckling, wrinkling, and sagging of the skin. Most dermatologists agree that broad spectrum lotion does a better job protecting the health and the youth of one's skin than sunscreen that does not protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Like other types of sunscreen, broad spectrum sunscreen must be reapplied on a regular basis when people are in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Even waterproof and sweat-proof sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours at a minimum. Also, like other types of sunscreen, broad spectrum sunscreens have varying sun protection factors (SPFs). The higher the SPF, the more protection the sunscreen provides.
Although many people associate sunscreen with days at the beach or by the pool, broad spectrum sunscreen also has applications in daily life. It has become common for people to use daily skin care products that include SPF in order to protect their skin from the kind of sun damage that can come just from daily exposure. These products are sometimes formulated with broad spectrum sunscreen.
It is especially common for sunscreen to be built into products for the face, where people often concentrate their efforts to reduce the signs of aging. There are even products that are formulated specifically for the lip and mouth area. There are, however, lotions specifically marketed for the body that include sunscreen. These kinds of products often include a sunscreen with a sun protection factor between 15 and 30.
The price of this type of sunscreen varies wildly. There are affordable brands sold in drug stores and pharmacies for as little as $5 USD (US Dollars) per tube. On the other hand, there are some high-end skin care companies that sell tubes of broad spectrum sunscreen for $150 USD or more. These products are usually sold in boutiques and high-end department stores where the clientele regularly spends a great deal of money on a whole host of products, including skin care products.
