What is the main function of a sunscreen?

The primary role of sunscreen is to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, which can cause immediate effects like sunburn as well as long-term consequences such as skin cancer and premature aging. Sunscreens contain active ingredients that either absorb, reflect, or scatter UV rays, thereby reducing the amount of UV radiation that penetrates the skin.

While enhancing skin color, moisturizing, and promoting healing are important aspects of skincare, they do not capture the fundamental function of sunscreen. The main goal of sunscreen is prevention, specifically to safeguard the skin's integrity against the damaging effects of UV exposure.