SQA Skincare flashcards

What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation and where is it found?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a high-energy form of light that is present in sunlight.

What effect does UV light have on molecules?

UV light can provide sufficient energy to break bonds within molecules.

What are two effects of UV radiation on the skin?

UV radiation can cause sunburn and accelerates ageing of the sk

How do sun-block products protect the skin?

Sun-block products prevent UV light from reaching the skin.

What happens when UV light breaks molecular bonds?

Free radicals are formed when UV light breaks molecular bonds.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are atoms or molecules that are highly reactive due to the presence of unpaired electrons.

What are the three steps of a free radical chain reaction?

The steps are initiation, propagation, and termination.

What can be written to describe reactions involving free radicals?

Equations can be written to represent reactions involving free radicals.

How can an equation be identified as part of a free radical chain reaction?

An equation can be recognised as representing an initiation, propagation, or termination step.

What are free radical scavengers?

Free radical scavengers are molecules that react with free radicals to form stable molecules and prevent chain reactions.

What is the purpose of adding free radical scavengers to products?

They prevent chain reactions from occurring by neutralising free radicals.

Give three examples of products where free radical scavengers are used.

Cosmetics, food products, and plastics.