Maya Ellison
Sunblock can ruin plastic frames, and it's not just sunglasses that are at risk—watch straps, phones, and Legos can also be damaged by sunblock. The active chemicals in sunblock can react with plastics, causing them to crack, discolour, deform, or cloud. Heat can accelerate this process, so it's best to avoid leaving plastic items in direct sunlight or in a hot car. To prevent sunblock residue from building up on plastic items, it's recommended to clean them regularly with a gentle soap or alcohol solution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on plastic | Cracking, discolouration, deformation, clouding, peeling |
| Cause | UV rays, salt, sweat, seawater, sea air, heat |
| Prevention | Rinsing with water, alcohol solution, lens wipes, liquid soap, switch to mineral sunscreen |
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What You'll Learn
Sunblock contains chemicals that react with plastics
Sunblock, or sunscreen, can ruin plastic frames. This is because sunblock contains chemicals that react with plastics, causing cracking, discolouration, deformation, clouding, and other types of damage. Sunblock can also ruin other plastic items, such as watches, phones, and car interiors.
The active ingredients in sunblock are typically either mineral or chemical. Chemical sunblock contains organic compounds such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, which absorb and neutralise UV rays. These compounds can react with plastics, causing the plastic to break down. On the other hand, mineral sunblock contains inorganic compounds such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect and scatter UV rays. These compounds are less likely to react with plastics and are generally considered to be more stable and less likely to cause damage.
In addition to the active ingredients, sunblock can also contain other chemicals that may contribute to the degradation of plastics. These include preservatives, fragrances, and emulsifiers. Some sunblocks may also contain nano-particles, which are tiny particles that can penetrate and damage plastics.
The type of plastic also plays a role in its susceptibility to damage from sunblock. Some plastics, such as polypropylene and low-density polyethylene, are more prone to degradation from UV rays and other environmental factors. The manufacturing process and the presence of stabilizers or absorbers can also affect the plastic's resistance to sunblock.
To prevent sunblock from ruining plastic frames, it is recommended to use mineral sunblock instead of chemical sunblock. It is also important to allow sunblock to absorb into the skin before putting on sunglasses or other plastic items. Rinsing plastic items with water or a gentle soap solution can also help remove sunblock residue and prevent damage.
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Heat accelerates the degradation of plastics
Sunblock can ruin plastic frames in several ways. Firstly, the chemicals in sunblock can react with plastics, causing degradation and discolouration. This is accelerated by heat, as higher temperatures increase the rate of chemical reactions. For example, one user reported that their sunglasses were ruined after they were left in a hot car and coated in sunblock.
Secondly, some sunblock products contain alcohol, which can act as a solvent and break down the plastic. This is especially true for spray-on sunblock products, where the propellant used can also contribute to the degradation of plastics.
Thirdly, sunblock can leave a residue on plastic surfaces, which can be difficult to remove and may eventually lead to discolouration or clouding. This is a particular issue at the beach, where sunblock, salt, sweat, and seawater can combine to damage plastic lenses and frames.
Finally, some plastics are simply unable to absorb UV radiation, which can lead to degradation and discolouration over time. Heat accelerates this process, as UV energy can excite photons in the plastic material, creating free radicals that cause degradation.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use mineral-based sunblock products, which are less likely to react with plastics. It is also important to avoid leaving plastic items in direct sunlight or hot environments, as this can accelerate the degradation process. Additionally, regularly cleaning plastic items with a mild soap and water solution can help remove sunblock residue and slow down the deterioration of the plastic.
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Some sunglasses are more resistant to sunblock
While sunscreen can be detrimental to plastic sunglasses, some sunglasses are more resistant to sunblock. Firstly, it is important to understand the composition of sunblock and why it can damage plastic. Sunblock, or sunscreen, is a chemical cocktail that is highly degrading to most plastics. The chemicals in sunscreen react with the plastic, causing issues such as cracking, discolouration, deformation, and clouding. The damage is accelerated by heat, such as exposure to the sun.
Now, let's discuss why some sunglasses are more resistant to sunblock. It primarily depends on the lens and frame materials used, as well as any additional coatings or treatments applied to the lenses. Here are some factors that contribute to sunglasses' resistance to sunblock:
- Lens Material: Different lens materials exhibit varying levels of resistance to sunblock. Polycarbonate lenses, for instance, are known for their impact resistance and inherent UV protection. They are less likely to be affected by sunblock compared to other materials. Acrylic and glass lenses, on the other hand, often require additional coatings to provide optimal UV protection and may be more susceptible to damage from sunblock.
- Coatings: Some sunglasses have special coatings that enhance their resistance to sunblock. These coatings act as a protective barrier between the lens and the sunblock. For example, a scratch-resistant coating can prolong the life of the sunglasses by protecting the lenses from damage during regular use and cleaning.
- Frame Material: The choice of frame material also plays a role in resistance to sunblock. While plastic frames are more susceptible to damage, metal frames, such as those found on Ray-Ban Aviators, offer better resistance to sunblock while also providing broad UV protection.
- UV Protection: Sunglasses with effective UV protection can help mitigate the effects of sunblock. Look for labels such as "100% UV protection" or "UV400," which indicate that the sunglasses block all harmful UV rays up to 400 nanometers, including both UVA and UVB rays.
- Polarization: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces but may be affected by sunblock. If you plan to use sunblock while wearing sunglasses, consider prioritizing UV protection over polarization.
In summary, when selecting sunglasses that are more resistant to sunblock, opt for those with polycarbonate lenses, protective coatings (such as scratch-resistant coatings), metal frames, effective UV protection, and, if necessary, polarization. Remember to always read labels carefully and prioritize eye health and protection over style when making your choice.
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Salt and sweat can also ruin plastic frames
While it is true that sunblock can ruin plastic frames, salt and sweat can also be detrimental. Salt and sweat can cause white oxidation on plastic eyeglass frames, resulting in a hazy white film that may resemble permanent smudging. This occurs when the plastic oxidizes due to exposure to UV light and surface contaminants. To remove these sweat stains, you can wash your glasses, clean them with lotion dish soap, and use a magic eraser. There are also various chemical and home remedies available, such as toothpaste, peanut butter, lip balm, baking soda, and Armor All. However, the only permanent solution is to gently scrape away the oxidized layer.
It is worth noting that not all plastics are equally susceptible to damage from salt and sweat. Corzan CPVC, for example, has been proven reliable against over 500 chemicals and compounds, including sodium chloride. In general, plastics are chemically inert and resistant to corrosion from salt, which primarily affects metals. However, when it comes to sunglasses, salt and sweat can still cause damage to the plastic lenses and coatings, as well as the plastic frames themselves. This is especially true when combined with exposure to high temperatures and subsequent cooling.
The combination of salt and sweat can be particularly damaging to plastic frames. Salt, in the form of seawater or sweat, can accelerate the deterioration of plastic. This is because salt acts as an abrasive, increasing the rate of wear and tear on plastic surfaces. Additionally, sweat contains oils and other contaminants that can interact with plastic, causing discoloration and clouding.
To minimize the impact of salt and sweat on plastic frames, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean your frames. Gently washing your frames with mild soap and water can help remove any salt or sweat buildup. Additionally, avoiding direct contact with seawater and wiping away any sweat or oil residue after physical activity can also help prevent damage.
In summary, while sunblock can indeed ruin plastic frames, salt and sweat are also significant contributors to their deterioration. Understanding the effects of salt and sweat on plastic frames can help individuals take preventive measures to prolong the lifespan of their eyewear.
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Spray sunblock can be especially damaging
One user on Reddit noted that their sunglasses were ruined after coming into contact with sunblock, describing the effect as the "SPF acting like acid and eating [the sunglasses]". Another user on the same thread suggested that it is the chemical SPF that reacts with some plastics, and recommended switching to a mineral sunscreen to avoid this issue.
The damage caused by sunblock can be exacerbated by heat, with one user on Reddit noting that leaving their sunglasses in the car, where they were exposed to high temperatures, may have contributed to the deterioration of the frames. This is because the lenses can only undergo so many cycles of temperature changes before the coating breaks down.
To prevent sunblock residue from building up on plastic frames, it is recommended to clean the lenses with a lens wipe or a small amount of liquid soap and a soft cloth. Some people also suggest using alcohol pads or a tiny atomizer of alcohol to remove the residue, however, others caution against using alcohol as it can be caustic or abrasive.
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Frequently asked questions
Sunblock contains chemicals that react with plastics, causing degradation and discolouration. This is accelerated by heat, so leaving your sunglasses in a hot car can make the problem worse.
It is best to avoid sunblock coming into contact with plastic. You can also try switching to mineral sunblock, which does not react with plastic in the same way.
Wash your sunglasses with soap and water as soon as possible. You can also use lens wipes or a glasses cleaning kit.
Yes, sunglasses with metal frames are less likely to be affected by sunblock. Some higher-end brands also make lenses and frames that are more resistant to sunblock.
