What ingredient in skin care products provides sun protection?

The ingredient that provides sun protection in skin care products is sunscreen or SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Sunscreens are specifically formulated to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. They contain active ingredients that either absorb or reflect these UV rays, helping to prevent sunburn, skin aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

In contrast, moisturizers primarily focus on hydrating and maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. While they may offer some minor incidental sun protection, they are not designed primarily for that purpose. Exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture but do not provide UV protection. Antioxidants can help protect the skin from free radical damage that may be worsened by sun exposure, but they do not create a protective barrier against UV rays.

Therefore, while all the options contribute to overall skin health in different ways, sunscreen or SPF products are the dedicated defense against sun exposure, making them essential for effective sun protection in skin care.