What is the main function of sunscreen?

The main function of sunscreen is to protect against UV radiation. Sunscreen contains active ingredients that help to absorb, reflect, or scatter ultraviolet rays from the sun, which can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. By using sunscreen, individuals can significantly reduce their exposure to harmful UV radiation, which is categorized into UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are primarily responsible for aging, while UVB rays are associated with sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer. Therefore, the primary purpose of sunscreen is to safeguard the skin from these harmful effects of UV radiation, making it a crucial step in any skincare routine.

The other options, while they may have some relevance to skin care, do not align with the primary role of sunscreen. Hydration is typically achieved through moisturizers rather than sunscreen. Cleansing is a separate routine aimed at removing impurities from the skin's surface, and enhancing skin texture is usually accomplished through exfoliation or the use of specific treatments and products designed for that purpose. Thus, the essential and defining function of sunscreen remains its protective role against UV radiation.