See Sunscreen in Action: How UV Protection Really Works

See Sunscreen in Action: How UV Protection Really Works
We all know sunscreen protects us from the sun—but have you ever wondered how it actually works? From preventing premature aging to lowering the risk of skin cancer, sunscreen is your skin’s invisible shield. Thanks to modern technology, we can now see that shield in action.

Why Sunscreen Matters

The sun emits two types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation:

• UVA: Penetrates deep into the skin, accelerating aging and causing wrinkles.
• UVB: Causes sunburn and damages DNA directly, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Over time, exposure to both UVA and UVB rays significantly increases the likelihood of skin cancer, including melanoma. Broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks both, keeping your skin healthy, youthful, and safe.

Visualizing UV Protection with Canfield VISIA-CR

At the 2025 EADV conference in Paris, Canfield showcased their latest innovation, the VISIA-CR. This advanced device uses:

• White light for high-resolution skin imaging
• Ultraviolet light to reveal sun damage and protection
• 3D sensors to capture skin topography

The result? A clear, visual demonstration of how sunscreen blocks UV rays.

Our founder, Dr. Andrew Birnie, put the device to the test. The images speak for themselves:

• Right image side: No sunscreen applied — the skin shows full exposure to UV light.
• Left image side: Sunscreen applied — the UV rays are visibly blocked, proving the product’s protective barrier in real time.

UV Facts You Need to Know

• Sunscreen is only effective when applied generously and regularly, especially during long sun exposure.
• Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays penetrate the atmosphere.
• UV damage accumulates over time — sunburns and tanning aren’t harmless, they’re signs of DNA damage.
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential: blocking UVA alone isn’t enough.

Seeing is Believing

With tools like the VISIA-CR, the invisible becomes visible. It’s one thing to trust your sunscreen—it’s another to actually see it working, shielding your skin from harmful UV radiation.

Takeaway: Consistent sunscreen use isn’t just a habit—it’s a scientifically proven defense for your skin, and now, thanks to technology, you can see the science in action.